"It has a homelike look, in spite of its deserted
state, which appeals to me. I wonder that the remnant of the family does
not care to retain it."
"I hear the remnant is all but gone," his grandson informed him, with
sober lips but dancing eyes. He was delighted with his grandfather for
his assistance in playing the part of the casual observer. He led the
way up the steps of the white-pillared portico, and wheeled to see the
others ascending. He watched Roberta as she preceded him over the
threshold of the opened door.
"Shall I see you coming in that door, you beautiful thing, years and
years from now?" he asked her in his heart, and smiled happily to
himself.
And now, indeed, old Matthew Kendrick played his part nobly and with
skill. When the party had admired the distinction of the hall, and the
stately sweep of its staircase, he led Ruth into a room on the left at
the same moment that Richard summoned Roberta to look at something he
had described in the room on the right. A question drew the caretaker
after Mr. Kendrick, senior, and the younger man had the moment he was
playing for.
"This fireplace, Robin--isn't it the very counter-part of the one in
your own living-room?" He asked it with his hand on the chimney-piece,
and his glowing eyes studying hers.
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