And “Poor Dick,” the black sheep of the flock, entered the room, looking rather sheepish, it must be confessed.
And yet he was a very handsome and gentlemanly youth, tall, slender, with a fine Grecian profile, with a clear brown complexion, black curling hair and dark changing eyes—with a frank countenance and an engaging smile that few, or none, could resist.
But well he might look sheepish, poor outlawed fellow, for his entrance cast an instantaneous chill over the family circle.
General Lyon drew himself up haughtily. The chief justice looked grave, his wife sad, and their son angry. Only Anna seemed pleased. And not only pleased, but delighted. For the instant she saw him she bounced up, overturning two or three chairs in her hurry and rushed to meet him, exclaiming:
“Cousin Dick! Oh, dear Cousin Dick, I am so glad you’ve come! It would have been such a dull Christmas, indeed no Christmas at all, without you!”
And she gave him both her hands and pressed and shook his, and drew him towards the group, and first instinctively presented him to the kind-hearted old lady:
“Aunt Lyon, here is Cousin Dick. Are you not very glad to see him?”
“How do you do, Richard?” said the old lady, offering her hand.
And the black sheep stooped and kissed her.
“Uncle, here’s Dick. Isn’t it a pleasant surprise?” asked Anna.