Of just what that gift might consist she had no idea; but of its approach she felt as certain as of the approach of the man swinging down through the rain over the rattling pebbles.

And her gladness of welcome declined somewhat.

She could have cried off, begged for postponement.

For she was very tired, after all.
She didn't want anything now, anything which--however delightful in itself--demanded effort, demanded even the exertion of being very pleased.

She shied away, in short.