Oh' (here came a little gurgle of joy), 'and to-night, too! It's the first _perfectly_ joyful thing that has _ever_ come to us.' Courthope moved quietly back and stood before the blazing logs, looking down into them with a smile of pure pleasure upon his lips.
It was not long before the door, which she had left ajar, was re-opened, and a light-wheeled chair was pushed into the room.

It contained a slight, elfin-like girl, white-faced, flaxen-haired, sharp-featured, and arrayed in gorgeous crimson.

The elder sister pushed from behind.

The little procession wore an air of triumphant satisfaction, still tempered by the proprieties.
'This is my sister,' said the mistress of the house.
'I am very glad to see you, Mr.Courthope.' The tones of Eliz were sharp and thin.

She was evidently acting a part, as with the air of a very grand lady she held out her hand.
He was somewhat dazzled.