She was still but a little over thirty-three years old, and although the long years of anxiety and sorrow had left their traces on her face, the rest and quiet of the sea voyage had done much to restore the fulness of her cheeks, and to soften the outline of her figure.
The Rajah, a young and handsome-looking man of thirty, ascended the stairs with an eagerness and speed that were somewhat at variance with Dick's preconceived ideas of the stateliness of an Eastern prince.
"My sister Margaret!" he exclaimed, in English, and embraced her with a warmth that showed that his affection for her was unimpaired by the years that had passed since he last saw her.
Then he stood with his hands on her shoulders, looking earnestly at her.
"I know you again," he said.

"You are changed, but I can recall your face well.

You are welcome, Margaret, most welcome.
"And this is my nephew ?" he went on, turning to Dick, and holding out both his hands to him.

"You are taller than I expected--well nigh as tall as I am.

You are like your mother and my mother; and you are bold and active and strong, she writes me.