Archie was clean-shaven, of a medium sort of complexion, with a big chin and rather loosely built; Dick wore a small, pointed brown beard, and was neat and alert.

Neither of them did anything particular in the world.

Archie was more or less tied to his father, except in the autumn--for Archie drew the line at Homburg, and went about for short visits, returning continually to look after the estate; Dick lived in a flat in town on six hundred a year, allowed him by his mother, and was supposed to be a sort of solicitor.
They saw a good deal of one another, off and on, and got on together rather better than most brothers; certainly better than did Archie and Frank.

It was thought a pity by a good many people that they were only cousins.
* * * * * Then, as they gossiped gently, the door suddenly opened and a girl came in.
She was a very striking girl indeed, and her beauty was increased just now by obvious excitement held well in check.

She was tall and very fair, and carried herself superbly, looking taller than she really was.
Her eyes, particularly bright just now, were of a vivid blue, wide-open and well set in her face; her mouth was strong and sensible; and there was a glorious air of breeziness and health about her altogether.