He had half expected her and yet, in the new turmoil about him, he had actually forgotten she might come.
"Because Dick sent her your letter. They both assume you've broken down, and she's called in an alienist to come up here and eye you over, and Dick's pretty sick over the whole business; so he's coming along, too. He was prepared for mother, I fancy, but not the alienist."
"But what's it all for?"
"Why, you know, Rookie. You've broken down."
Raven stared at her. Then he laughed.
"Well," he said, "let 'em come. Charlotte'll give 'em some dinner and they can look at the mountain and go back on the six to-night."
"That's precisely what they won't do," said Nan, her lips tightening. "At least your sister. She's going to stay."
"The deuce she is," said Raven. "What for?"
Then Nan did break out of the stiffness that seemed to have held her like an armor since the momentary setback of her coming. Her own laugh ran over her face and creased it into delighted merriment.
"Why, don't you see?" she asked him. "To brighten your life."