The rest, led by Magdalen (who had
been Frank's favorite playfellow in past times) glided back into their
old easy habits with him without an effort. He was "Frank" with all of
them but Norah, who persisted in addressing him as "Mr. Clare." Even the
account he was now encouraged to give of the reception accorded to him
by his father, on the previous night, failed to disturb Norah's gravity.
She sat with her dark, handsome face steadily averted, her eyes cast
down, and the rich color in her cheeks warmer and deeper than usual. All
the rest, Miss Garth included, found old Mr. Clare's speech of welcome
to his son quite irresistible. The noise and merriment were at their
height when the servant came in, and struck the whole party dumb by
the announcement of visitors in the drawing-room. "Mr. Marrable, Mrs.
Marrable, and Miss Marrable; Evergreen Lodge, Clifton."
Norah rose as readily as if the new arrivals had been a relief to her
mind. Mrs. Vanstone was the next to leave her chair. These two went away
first, to receive the visitors. Magdalen, who preferred the society of
her father and Frank, pleaded hard to be left behind; but Miss Garth,
after granting five minutes' grace, took her into custody and marched
her out of the room.
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