Nan was ever quick in all her ways, and it was very seldom that she was disconcerted.

Between the moment of her reaching the top step and that in which she entered the hall, she flashed from laughing childhood to haughty womanhood.

The dignity with which she offered her hand to her husband was in its way superb.
"An unexpected pleasure!" was her icy comment.
He took the hand, looking closely into her eyes.

He made no attempt to draw her nearer, and Nan remained at arm's-length.

Yet something in his scrutiny affected her, for a shiver went through her, proudly though she met it.
"It is cold," she said, by way of explanation.