The house itself rejoiced in a fresh white luster and the grounds showed recent care.
"It was nice in you to bring me here, Tom," she again said.

"You knew I loved this old place, didn't you ?" "Yes.

Suppose we go closer to it," suggested Tom, drawing her gently forward.
Her hand still in his, Grace allowed him to conduct her to the flight of white stone steps set in the terrace.

They led upward to the wide flagstone walk which in turn stretched levelly up to meet the spacious veranda.
"Shut your eyes," directed Tom, when they had mounted the steps to the veranda floor.

His terse direction contained a touch of repressed excitement which informed Grace that the surprise was at hand.