Arthur looked at her with deep admiration and delight, even while Mrs. Saulisbury was talking to him.
He liked Mrs. Saulisbury at once, though naturally prejudiced against her. She had evidently been a very handsome woman, but some concealed pain had made her face thin and drawn, and one corner of her mouth was set in a slight fold as if by a touch of paralysis. Her profile was still very beautiful, and her voice was that of a highly cultivated American.
She seemed to be interested in Arthur, and asked him a great many questions, and all her questions were intelligent.
Saulisbury amused himself by joking the dainty girl, whom he called Edith.
"This is the cow that gives the cream, ye know; and this one is the buttermilk cow," he said, as they stood looking in at the barn door.
Edith tipped her eager little face up at him:
"Really?"
The rest laughed again.
"Which is the ice-cream cow?" the young girl asked, to let them know that she was not to be fooled with.
Saulisbury appealed to the Major.