I suppose I must have seen mechanically that this young man was of a light and active build, and that he had what people call a "nice" face, open, friendly, and sunburnt.
I didn't take in then the resolute set of the mouth under the closely-hogged russet moustache, or even see what sort of eyes he'd got. I know now that they are handsome, grey-blue eyes, set deep behind a thick fringe of brown. Sweet eyes, with that look in them that means, "Do like me!" A look so often contradicted in a man's face by the obdurate line and tilt of the jaw, which would try to proclaim, "I don't care a dash whether people like me or not."
* * * * * * *
All this was lost on me that first moment. I just noticed the gay ribbon on Captain Holiday's well-worn khaki jacket, with two gold stripes at the cuff.
Then I could not help noticing something rather odd about the young man—namely, the quick, searching glance that he sent all round the big room, taking in every Land Girl there. Was he looking for some one? But no. After passing every girl, that searchlight glance found me—and it held me! Yes; it was at me, who'd never seen him in my life before, that he seemed to stare hardest of all! Why?
Then I thought it must be my imagination that this stranger was staring at all. Possibly he was just shortsighted, and saw nothing but what was just under his nose. I turned what attention I had to the golden-and-white collie who trailed in behind him.
Led by the instinct these creatures have for an admirer, she sidled up to me.
Her master was not too shortsighted, then, to see this! For he took two hasty strides right across the room, bringing him up to where I sat with Elizabeth; he gave a little quick soft whistle, and instantly the collie sidled away again to her master's riding-booted heel.
I had just time to suppose that this Captain Holiday—whoever he might be—was about to say something friendly and pleasant when he spoke.
The voice that came out of that nice, friendly face was brusque and deep and carrying. The words that were set to that perfectly charming smile were unexpected enough.