His memory had jumped the brief glimpse of her during her fledgling period, and had gone back with distinct vividness to the summer morning in the tree, almost seven years ago.
He answered with a carelessness which was not altogether pleasing to Cecilia Cricklander.

She saw instantly that her favorite guest was ruffled by something.

Although never fine, she was quick at observing all the moods of her pawns, and had brought the faculty of watching for signs from castles, knights and kings to a science.

John Derringham must be humored and cajoled by a proof of her great understanding of him--he must be left in silence for a minute, and then she would pause and look over the balustrade, so that he might see her handsome profile and take in the exquisite simplicity of her perfect dress.

She knew these things pleased him.