Come with me!"
"Do I seem scared?" inquired Elnora serenely. "This is why you haven't
had your answer. I have been waiting just six weeks for that motor. You
may bring them to me at the arbour."
Philip glanced at her and broke into a laugh. She had not lost colour.
Her self-possession was perfect. She deliberately turned and walked
toward the grape arbour, while he sprang over the west fence and ran to
the car.
Elnora standing in the arbour entrance made a perfect picture, framed in
green leaves and tendrils. No matter how her heart ached, it was good to
her, for it pumped steadily, and kept her cheeks and lips suffused with
colour. She saw Philip reach the car and gather his sister into his
arms. Past her he reached a hand to Levering, then to Edith Carr and
Henderson. He lifted his sister to the ground, and assisted Edith to
alight. Instantly, she stepped beside him, and Elnora's heart played its
first trick.
She could see that Miss Carr was splendidly beautiful, while she moved
with the hauteur and grace supposed to be the prerogatives of royalty.
And she had instantly taken possession of Philip. But he also had a
brain which was working with rapidity. He knew Elnora was watching, so
he turned to the others.
"Give her up, Tom!" he cried. "I didn't know I wanted to see the little
nuisance so badly, but I do. How are father and mother? Polly, didn't
the mater send me something?"
"She did!" said Polly Ammon, stopping on the path and lifting her chin
as a little child, while she drew away her veil.
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