Page:Between Two Loves.djvu/126

Rh with pity. She was dressed in deep mourning, and she lay back wearily in a large chair, with her eyes closed and her hands dropped listlessly upon her lap. Her sombre garments made the pallor of her face more conspicuous, and Jonathan's eyes were full of tears when he took her to his breast and kissed her.

Yet they had a very pleasant dinner. Aske had much to tell, and he told it well, and Eleanor diversified his narration by her comments. And while they were still at the table, several gentlemen who had heard of the squire's arrival called and joined them, and Eleanor's pale face gathered color and her eyes light, and she said with an emphasis which delighted all, that she "was glad to be home, and thought no other place half so beautiful."

About eleven o'clock there was quite a merry gathering in the great entrance-hall, where a big fire was sending banners of flame dancing up the wide chimney. Horses and gigs and carriages were being brought from the stables, and the visitors stood, hats in hand, chatting gayly of the coming hunts and balls and dinners, of their pleasure in Mrs. Aske's return, reiterating congratulations and compliments.