A moment ago she had been laughing playfully as she led him towards the window.

Now it seemed as though a sudden disaster had turned her to stone.

Yet there was nothing visible to suggest disaster.

Dewes looked from Sybil to the boy and back again.

Then he noticed that her eyes were riveted, not on Dick's face, but on the book which he was reading.
"What is the matter ?" he asked.
"Hush!" said Sybil, but at that moment Dick lifted his head, recognised the visitor, and came forward to the window with a smile of welcome.
There was no embarrassment in his manner, no air of being surprised.