Such was the Veronica now moving over the grass towards Aunt Bee.
"Come, child, tea will be cold," said Miss Rawson.
"Nothing could be cold to-day," laughed back Rona, raising her eyes from her book, but quickening her steps obediently.
The stable clock chimed a quarter past four.
"Denzil ought to be here soon if he comes by that train," said Aunt Bee.
"I am impatient to see him again," said Rona, in tones of candid interest. "I owe him so much, I feel inclined to act like a young person in a novel of a century ago, and fall on my knees, seizing and kissing my benefactor's hand! Wouldn't he be astounded!"
"Indeed he would! Denzil never gave way to an impulse in his life."
"No. I remember well how dignified and proper he always was. But think how good he has been to me!" She sat down in a low chair and took her tea from Miss Rawson's hands.
As David had been so careful to keep her in funds, her dress had always been her own affair. And she had a style of her own.
It was daring to wear a rose-lined hat with the warm chestnut of her abundant locks; but she achieved it.