Mona heard them come tramping up the drive and enter the house, as she sat above in the dark.

She listened without moving, and knew that one of her sisters was giving them tea in the hall.
Two hours passed, but Nan did not return.

Mona rose at last to dress for dinner.

Her face shone pale as she lighted her lamp, but her eyes were steadfast; they held no anxiety.
Descending the stairs at length she found Piet waiting below before the fire.

He looked round as she came down, looked up the stairs beyond her, and gravely rose to give her his chair.
Mona was generally regarded as hostess in her father's house, though she was not his eldest daughter.