home?"

Rising from his chair Richard observed that Ted had risen also, and he
now heard Ted's voice presenting him to his sister with the ease of the
well-bred youngster.

From this moment Richard owed the boy a debt of gratitude. He had been
waiting impatiently for a fortnight for this presentation and had begun
to think it would never come.

Roberta Gray came forward to give the guest her hand with a ready
courtesy which Richard met with the explanation of his presence.

"I was asked to keep your brother company in the absence of the family.
I can't help being glad that you didn't come in time to forestall me."

"I'm sure Ted's hospitality might have covered us both," she said,
pulling off her gloves. He recognized the voice. At close range it was
even more delightful than he had remembered.

"I doubt it, since he tells me that when you're here he doesn't mind who
else is away."

"Did you say that, Teddy?" she asked, smiling at the boy. "Then you'll
surely give me lunch, though it isn't my day at home. I'm so hungry,
walking in this wind. But the air is glorious."

She went away to remove her hat and coat, and came back quickly, her
masses of black hair suggesting but not confirming the impression that
the wind had lately had its way with them. Her eyes scanned the table