Yet she managed to keep up a sprightly conversation, largely relating to the country we had traveled over.
Neither of us ate heartily, merely toying with the rather unpalatable food, and, as soon as we dared, pushed back our chairs.

It was a relief to get out of the room, but as we stood a moment in the front doorway, breathing in the fresh air, I noticed a giant form approaching the house through the weeds.
"Coombs is coming already for his interview," I said hastily.

"As it may be stormy perhaps you had better retreat upstairs." She glanced in the direction of his approach, and drew slightly back into the shadow of the hall.

There was a flush on her cheeks, and her eyes met mine almost defiantly.
"I will go," she said quickly, "but I shall not leave this house while you remain.".