"Oh, my lord, so you're come home again!" she cried; "and as full of your mischief as ever. Welcome, welcome!"
"Yes, I am home again, Mrs. West, and here is what I have brought you," he said, stepping back that she might see the girl who had followed him into the room—the graceful figure in deep black, that came up to her with both hands outstretched, and said, demurely:
"How do you do, Aunt West?"
For a minute Mrs. West did not touch the pretty white hands held out to her, she was so amazed and surprised. She managed to stammer out faintly:
"Are you Leonora West? I—I was expecting to see a very young child."
The bright face dimpled charmingly.
"That was a mistake," she said. "I hope you will not be vexed because I am so large!"