You have never been in our house before, have you?
Won't you put up your coat and hat and come into the gallery?
It's brighter there, and you might be interested in some of the pictures." Lynde, who was seeking for any pretext whereby he might prolong his stay and overcome her nervous mood, accepted, pretending, however, that he was merely passing and with a moment to spare.
"Thought I'd get just one glimpse of you again.

Couldn't resist the temptation to look in.

Stunning room, isn't it?
Spacious--and there you are! Who did that?
Oh, I see--Van Beers.

And a jolly fine piece of work it is, too, charming." He surveyed her and then turned back to the picture where, ten years younger, buoyant, hopeful, carrying her blue-and-white striped parasol, she sat on a stone bench against the Dutch background of sky and clouds.

Charmed by the picture she presented in both cases, he was genially complimentary.