Two fine collies rushed to meet them, barking vociferously; and at the sound Clarence hurried to the door.

He met them with great enthusiasm, lifted out Mrs.Hope, then Clover, and then began shouting for his chum, who was inside.
"Hollo, Geoff! where are you?
Hurry up; they've come." Then, as he appeared, "Ladies and gentleman, my partner!" Geoffrey Templestowe was a tall, sinewy young Englishman, with ruddy hair and beard, grave blue eyes, and an unmistakable air of good breeding.

He wore a blue flannel shirt and high boots like Clarence's, yet somehow he made Clarence look a little rough and undistinguished.

He was quiet in speech, reserved in manner, and seemed depressed and under a cloud; but Clover liked his face at once.

He looked both strong and kind, she thought.
The house consisted of one large square room in the middle, which served as parlor and dining-room both, and on either side two bedrooms.