The new-comer was Eve herself. She was dressed in outdoor
clothes, and walked into the room quickly; then, as Loder had
done, she too paused.
The gesture, so natural and spontaneous, had a peculiar
attraction; as she glanced up at him, her face alight with
inquiry, she seemed extraordinarily much the owner and
designer of her surroundings. She was framed by them as
naturally and effectively as her eyes and her face were framed
by her black hair. For one moment he forgot that his presence
demanded explanation; the next she had made explanation
needless. She had been looking at him intently; now she came
forward slowly.
"John?" she said, half in appeal, half in question.
He took a step towards her. "Look at me," he said, quietly
and involuntarily. In the sharp desire to establish himself
in her regard he forgot that her eyes had never left his face.
But the incongruity of the words did not strike her. "Oh!"
she exclaimed, "I--I believe I _knew_, directly I saw you
here." The quick ring of life vibrating in her tone surprised
him.
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