Conversation turned into other channels under the direction of Elizabeth. They were discussing modern fiction when the door at the end of the hall swung back with a bang and a loud halloo echoed through the house. 61 Elizabeth sprang up from her place and ran to the dining-room door just as a tall young man bounded through. He came up erect at sight of the stranger.
“Harold!” cried Elizabeth. “When did you come?”
“Just now. Didn’t my war-whoop announce me?”
“But how did you get over from Little River station?”
“Walked.”
“Why didn’t you telephone? I’d have come over to meet you.”
“Needed the exercise. Hello, Dad.”
The Elder greeted the young man with a cold nod. His hand trembled slightly as he stiffly extended it.
“We are just a short time at table. Will you join us?”
“Be glad to, Dad. I’m starved,” he declared, eyeing the minister as he drew up a chair.