Halcyone was not present. If children were wanted they were sent for. It was not seemly for them to be idling in the drawing-rooms.
But Miss Roberta felt so pleasantly nervous, that she said timidly, after they had all shaken hands:
"Ginevra, can we not tell William to ask Halcyone to come down, perhaps Mr. Carlyon might like to see her again."
And William, who had not got far from the door, was recalled and sent on the errand.
"What a very beautiful view you have from here," Mr. Carlyon said, by way of a beginning. "It is an ideal spot."
"We are glad you like it," Miss La Sarthe replied, graciously; "as my sister and I live quite retired from the world it suits us. We had much gayety here in our youth, but now we like tranquillity."
"It is, however, delightful to have a neighbor," Miss Roberta exclaimed—and then blushed at her temerity.
The elder lady frowned; Roberta had always been so sadly effusive, she felt. Men ought not to be flattered so.
Mr. Carlyon bowed, and the platitudes were continued, each felt he or she must approach the subject of Halcyone's lessons, but waited for the other to begin.
Halcyone, herself, put an end to all awkwardness after she very gently entered the room. There was no bounding or vaulting in the presence of the aunts.