‘He is such a splendid fellow,’ he had said, ‘and such a wonderful mind.’
‘And such jolly good company,’ said Guy.
I was rather disappointed when I first saw him. He and Mollie were waiting for us in Hugo’s room when we came in. There was a big fire burning, and hot cakes standing down in covered dishes on the hob, and tea all waiting on the round polished table. Outside the sun was shining, a thin, cold sun, and it slanted in through the window and mixed with the firelight.
The china teapot with the birds on it was there on the table, and there was a feeling of warmth and comfort in the room. I believe now that it was Mollie who made it feel so comfortable, but then I only thought ‘What a delightful room!’
She was doing something to the kettle when we came in. I think it had boiled over and she was setting it back again on the coals.
Her back was to us, and I saw George first. He jumped up from the grey arm-chair.
‘Late again, of course, Hugo. We had almost left in a rage!’
Hugo laughed and said:
‘Here is my cousin Helen, and you can’t be cross with me.’
George came forward and shook hands. He was smiling, and I thought he had a pleasant face, but I had expected some one more striking and impressive, and so I was disappointed.