"How pleasant it is to see so many fair faces!" he said. "Why, my home has indeed been dark until now."
He went up to Lady Darrell, as she stood alone. All the light in the room seemed to be centered on her golden hair and shining dress. He said:
"I have brought the little parcel, Elinor, thinking that you would prefer to give your beautiful present to Pauline herself. But," he continued, "why are you standing, my love? You will be tired."
She raised her fair, troubled face to his, with a smile.
"Moreover, it seems to me that you are looking anxious," he resumed. "Miss Hastings, will you come here, please? Is this an anxious look on Lady Darrell's face?"
"I hope not," said the governess, with a gentle smile.
Then Sir Oswald brought a chair, and placed his wife in it; he next obtained a footstool and a small table. Lady Darrell, though half-ashamed of the feeling, could not help being thankful that Pauline did not notice these lover-like attentions.
"Now, Miss Hastings," spoke Sir Oswald, "I want you to admire Lady Darrell's taste."
He opened the parcel. It contained a morocco case, the lid of which, upon a spring being touched, flew back, exposing a beautiful suite of rubies set in pale gold.
Miss Hastings uttered a little cry of delight.