It certainly did not detract from the beauty of the view; in fact, it made the English lake look, for the moment, like an Italian one.
She regarded it thoughtfully for a moment, then returned to the road, and as she did so she saw a tall figure coming towards her.
For an instant the colour rose to her face, but for an instant only, and before Stafford had reached her, she was as pale, as calm as usual.
She noticed that he was dressed in a serge suit, noticed vaguely how well it sat upon him, that his gait had a peculiar ease and grace which the men of the dale lacked, that his handsome face flushed lightly as he saw her; but she gave no sign of these quick apprehensions, and sat cold and sphinx-like waiting for him.
Strafford's heart leapt at sight of her with a sudden pleasure which puzzled him; for he would not have admitted to himself that he had walked in this direction in the hope, on the chance, of meeting her.
"Good-morning," he said, in his direct fashion, raising his cap.

"I am very fortunate to meet you.

I hope Mr.Heron is no worse for--is not ill ?" "No," she said in her low, clear voice.

"My father is quite well; he is just as he usually is this morning." "I am very glad," said Stafford.

He stood close beside the horse and looked up at her; and for the first time in his life he was trying to keep the expression of admiration out of his eyes; the expression which he knew most women welcomed, but which, somehow or other, he felt this strange girl would resent.