"Once more," he said, nodding to Reuben Thorne.
"Once more," responded Reuben Thorne. "We were speaking of Stephen Viner."
"He is not here."
"No; but he will come."
Other steps upon the veranda, and Michael Lee's voice again:
"Henry Holmes. Rachel Holmes."
Two, whose names only proclaimed them brother and sister, entered with the same ceremony, and took their seats. They were unlike each other in appearance, and the lady, who was young, was the more composed of the two.
"It is so long since we met," she said in a soft tone to Mr. Weston, "that Henry was doubtful of the welcome we should receive."
"Why should he be doubtful?" said Reuben Thorne. "Every one here has a claim to be present. Is it not so?" he asked, addressing himself to Mr. Weston.
"It is so," replied Mr. Weston.