"Is this Captain Woodthorpe's?" she asked, waking up with an astonished start when the horses came to a standstill.
"This is Captain Woodthorpe's—queer little house, isn't it? And a queer place for any man to choose! Not even a cottage within a quarter of a mile."
"I suppose the village is not far-off."
"A mile or more. It must be deadly dull—two people living together."
"His wife?"
"No; his daughter. Will you come in? They are rather agreeable people."
"O no; I would rather wait outside."
Harvey put the reins into her hands, John taking up his position once more at the horses' heads. Julie studied dreamily the trellis-work of the porch, and the jasmine trained prettily thereon, till roused by voices.
A grey-haired man, thin and upright, stood beside her husband on the gravel-walk; and beyond them was a lady in black, perhaps about thirty-five years old, somewhat tall and largely built, with a pale strong face, hardly handsome, but interesting from its sweetness and its calm capability. The thought came to Julia, "That is one whom I could lean upon in trouble!" She little dreamt how soon this should be put to the test.
"Julia, Captain Woodthorpe and Mrs. Ogilvie wish you to come indoors for a cup of tea."