Diana sat down, very shy, and a little flushed. Mr. Marsham hovered
about her, inducing her to loosen her furs, bringing her tea, and asking
questions about her settlement at Beechcote. He showed also a marked
courtesy to Mrs. Colwood, and the little widow, susceptible to every
breath of kindness, formed the prompt opinion that he was both handsome
and agreeable.

Oliver Marsham, indeed, was not a person to be overlooked. His height
was about six foot three; and his long slender limbs and spare frame had
earned him, as a lad, among the men of his father's works, the
description of "two yards o' pump-waater, straight oop an' down." But in
his thin lengthiness there was nothing awkward--rather a graceful
readiness and vigor. And the head which surmounted this lightly built
body gave to the whole personality the force and weight it might
otherwise have missed. The hair was very thick and very fair, though
already slightly grizzled. It lay in heavy curly masses across a broad
head, defining a strong brow above deeply set small eyes of a pale
conspicuous blue. The nose, aquiline and large; the mouth large also,
but thin-lipped and flexible; slight hollows in the cheeks, and a long,
lantern jaw. The whole figure made an impression of ease, power, and
self-confidence.

"So you like your old house?" he said, presently, to Diana, sitting down
beside her, and dropping his voice a little.

"It suits me perfectly."

"I am certain the moat is rheumatic! But you will never admit it."

"I would, if it were true," she said, smiling.