She did not at first open it very wide, for she had learned by experience how much icy air could rush in, and the other two, watching from behind, saw her answering some salutation with dubious politeness.

Then, after a moment, they saw her open it more widely, and with a shy but hospitable inclination of the pretty head--"Will you walk in ?" said Blue.
The young man who immediately entered had a very smart appearance to eyes which had grown accustomed to the working garb of father and brother.

He was, moreover, handsome to a degree that is not ordinary.
The curly hair from which he had lifted his fur cap was black and glossy as a blackbird's plumage, and the moustache, which did not cover the full red lips, matched the hair, save that it seemed of finer and softer material.

His brown eyes had the glow of health and good spirits in them.
"Dear me!" Mrs.Rexford gave this involuntary exclamation of surprise; then she turned inquiringly to the visitor.

It was not in her nature to regard him with an unfriendly eye; and as for Blue and Red, a spot of warm colour had come into each of their sorrowful cheeks.