For the passer-by it
had no welcome; it kept itself, its flowers and its charm, for its
own people.
Desire said "Oh," as she saw it--long and white, with green shutters
and deep verandas and wide, unhurried steps. She had seen many
beautiful homes but she had never seen "home" before. The beauty and
the peace of it caught the breath in her throat. She was glad that
Benis did not speak as he gave her his hand from the car. She was
glad for the volubility of Aunt Caroline and for the preoccupation
of Dr. John with his engine. She was glad that she and Benis stepped
info the cool, dim hall alone. In the dimness she could just see the
little, nervous smile upon his lips and the warm and kindly look in
his steady eyes.
After that first moment, the picture blurred a little with the
bustle of arrival. Aunt Caroline, large and light in her cream dust-
coat, seemed everywhere. The dimness fled before her and rooms and
stairs and a white-capped maid emerged. The rooms confused Desire,
there were so many of them and all with such a strong family
likeness of dark furniture and chintz. Aunt Caroline called them by
their names and, throwing open their doors, announced them in
prideful tones. Desire felt very diffident, they were such exclusive
rooms, so old and settled and sure of themselves--and she was so
new. They might, she felt, cold-shoulder her entirely. It was touch
and go.
All but one room!
"This," said her conductor, throwing open a door, "is where Benis
does his work.
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