She was a trifle plump; her hair curled prettily round her temples; her firm dimpled chin and the fair complexion of her face and neck were set off, evidently with intention, by the plain blouse of black silky stuff, open at the neck, and showing a modest string of small but real pearls.

The Squire, who had a wide knowledge of jewels, had noticed these pearls at once.

It seemed to him--vaguely--that lady secretaries should not possess real pearls; or if they did possess them, should carefully keep them to themselves.
He accepted a cup of tea from his daughter, and drank it absently before he asked: 'Where's Desmond ?' 'He went to lunch at Fallerton--at the camp.

Captain Byles asked him.

I think afterwards he was going to play in a match.' The same thought passed through the minds of both father and daughter.