Missing by Mrs. Humphry Ward
page 38 of 359 (10%)
page 38 of 359 (10%)
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in his boots; his shoulders were broad in proportion; and his head, with
its strong curly hair of a light golden brown, which was repeated in his short beard, carried itself with the unconscious ease of one who has never known anything but the upper seats of life. His features were handsome, except for a broad irregular mouth, and his blue eyes were kind and lazily humorous. 'There's nothing better than that lake,' he said, motioning towards it, with his hand, as though he followed the outlines of the hills. 'But I never try to draw it. I leave that to the fellows who think they can! I'm afraid your permit's only for a week, Mrs. Sarratt. The boat, I find, will be wanted after that.' 'Oh, but my husband will be gone in a week--less than a week. I couldn't row myself!' said Nelly, smiling. But Sir William thought the smile trembled a little, and he felt very sorry for the small, pretty creature. 'You will be staying on here after your husband goes?' 'Oh yes. My sister will be with me. We know the Lakes very well.' 'Staying through the summer, I suppose?' 'I shan't want to move--if the war goes on. We haven't any home of our own--yet.' She had seated herself, and spoke with the self-possession which belongs to those who know themselves fair to look upon. But there seemed to be no coquetry about her--no consciousness of a male to be attracted. All her ways were very gentle and childish, and in her white dress she made |
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