It was his old brown library, where
she had occasionally seen him with others in the old days. But this was
literally the first time she had seen him in his own house alone.
It was essentially a man's room. Comfortable, but not exactly luxurious;
very little was sacrificed to decoration.
There were a few very old dark pictures on the walls. The room was
crammed with books in long, low bookcases. On the mantelpiece was a
pewter vase of cerise-coloured carnations.
An uncut _English Review_ was in his hand, but he threw it on the floor
with a characteristic gesture as she came in.
'You look very comfortable,' said Edith, as she took her seat in the
arm-chair placed for her.
He answered gravely, speaking in his direct, quick way, with his sincere
manner:
'It was very good of you to come.'
'Shall I pour out your tea?'
'Yes. Let's have tea and get it over.'
She laughed, took off her gloves, and he watched her fingers as they
occupied themselves with the china, as though he were impatient for the
ceremony to be finished.
While she poured it out and handed it to him he said not a word. She saw
that he looked pale and seemed rather nervous.
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