The finest
thing about her face was its expression of perfect serenity. Even now,
as she stood looking at Farnham, with her hands in his, her cheek
flushed a little with the evident pleasure of the meeting, she received
his gaze of unchecked admiration with a smile as quiet and unabashed as
that of a mother greeting a child.
"Well, well!" said Farnham, as they seated themselves, "how long has it
taken you to grow to that stature? When did I see you last?"
"Two years ago," she answered, in that rich and gentle tone which was a
delight to the ear. "I was at home last summer, but you were away--in
Germany, I think."
"Yes, and we looked for you in vain at Christmases and Thanksgivings."
"Mamma came so often to New York that there seemed no real necessity of
my coming home until I came for good. I had so much to learn, you know.
I was quite old and very ignorant when I started away."
"And you have come back quite young and very learned, I dare say."
She laughed a little, and her clear and quiet laugh was as pleasant as
her speech.
Mrs. Belding came in with gliding footsteps and cap-strings gently
fluttering.
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