The wood fire glowed on the hearth, and its ruddy light was on the face of the Nike, and its solemn outstretched wings.

All the apparatus of their common work was ready, the work that both loved.

Elizabeth felt a sudden, passionate drawing towards this man twenty years older than herself, which seemed to correspond to the new and smarting sense of alienation from the twins and their raw, unjust youth.

What had been the reason for their behaviour to her that day ?--what had she done?
She was conscious of long weeks of effort, in Pamela's case,--trying to please and win her; and of a constant tender interest in Desmond, which had never missed an opportunity of doing or suggesting something he might like--all for this! She must have offended them she supposed in some way; how, she could not imagine.

But her mood was sore; and, self-controlled as she was, her pulse raced.
Here, however, she was welcome, she was needed; she could distract and soothe a bitterness of soul best measured by the Squire's most unusual taciturnity.