His voice tailed off, as he met Adèle's look, and he got suddenly upon his feet.
Jonah stood up, too.
Daphne took Adèle's hands in hers and turned to me a face radiant with expectation.
Jill caught at my sleeve and began to tremble. I put my arm about her and looked round.
"We plead that excuse," I said.
For a moment nobody moved.
Then Jonah limped to my dear and put her hand to his lips. Adèle stooped and kissed him.
"You beautiful darling," breathed my sister. "Sargent shall paint you, and you shall hang at the foot of the stairs."
The two kissed one another tenderly.
Then Adèle stretched out her white arms to grey-eyed Jill. My little cousin just clung to her.