He followed her through the drawing-room into the library, where the wide back windows looked out upon the garden and the sunset and a fine stretch of silver-colored river.

A harp-shaped elm stood stripped against the pale-colored evening sky, with ragged last year's birds' nests in its forks, and through the bare branches the evening star quivered in the misty air.

The long brown room breathed the peace of a rich and amply guarded quiet.

Tea was brought in immediately and placed in front of the wood fire.

Mrs.Alexander sat down in a high-backed chair and began to pour it, while Wilson sank into a low seat opposite her and took his cup with a great sense of ease and harmony and comfort.
"You have had a long journey, haven't you ?" Mrs.Alexander asked, after showing gracious concern about his tea.