She met them standing jauntily astride upon the hearth, her back to the fire, and she greeted each one as he came with some pretty impudence.

Her hair was tied back and powdered, her black eyes were like lodestars, drawing all men, and her colour was that of a ripe pomegranate.

She had a fine, haughty little Roman nose, a mouth like a scarlet bow, a wonderful long throat, and round cleft chin.

A dazzling mien indeed she possessed, and ready enough she was to shine before them.

Sir Jeoffry was now elderly, having been a man of forty when united to his conjugal companion.