VSimeon Lee took the envelope. He drew out the single sheet of paper it held. He looked surprised.

His eyebrows¹ rose, but he smiled.

“By all that’s wonderful!” he said.

Then to the butler: “Show Mr. Farr up here, Tressilian.”

“Yes, sir.”

Simeon said: “I was just thinking of old Ebenezer Farr. He was my partner out there inKimberley. Now here’s his son come along!”

Tressilian reappeared. He announced: “Mr. Farr.”

Stephen Farr came in with a trace of nervousness. He disguised it by putting on a little extraswagger. He said—and just for the moment his South African accent was more marked than usual:

“Mr. Lee?”

“I’m glad to see you. So you’re Eb’s boy?”

Stephen Farr grinned rather sheepishly.

He said: “My first visit to the old country. Father always told me to look you up if I didcome.”

“Quite right.” The old man looked round. “This is my granddaughter, Pilar Estravados.”

“How do you do?” said Pilar demurely².

Stephen Farr thought with a touch of admiration⁴:

“Cool little devil. She was surprised to see me, but it only showed for a flash.”

He said, rather heavily: “I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Estravados.”

“Thank you,” said Pilar.

Simeon Lee said: “Sit down and tell me all about yourself. Are you in England for long?”

“Oh, I shan’t hurry myself now I’ve really got here!”

He laughed, throwing his head back.

Simeon Lee said: “Quite right. You must stay here with us for a while.”

“Oh, look here, sir. I can’t butt⁵ in like that. It’s only two days to Christmas.”

“You must spend Christmas with us—unless you’ve got other plans?”

“Well, no, I haven’t, but I don’t like—”

Simeon said: “That’s settled.” He turned his head. “Pilar?”

“Yes, Grandfather.”

“Go and tell Lydia we shall have another guest. Ask her to come up here.”

Pilar left the room. Stephen’s eyes followed her. Simeon noted⁶ the fact with amusement.

He said: “You’ve come straight here from South Africa?”

“Pretty well.”

They began to talk of that country.

Lydia entered a few minutes later.

Simeon said: “This is Stephen Farr, son of my old friend and partner, Ebenezer Farr. He’sgoing to be with us for Christmas if you can find room for him.”

Lydia smiled.

“Of course.” Her eyes took in the stranger’s appearance. His bronzed face and blue eyes andthe easy backward tilt⁷ of his head.

“My daughter-in-law,” said Simeon.

Stephen said: “I feel rather embarrassed—butting in on a family party like this.”

“You’re one of the family, my boy,” said Simeon. “Think of yourself as that.”

“You’re too kind, sir.”

Pilar reentered the room. She sat down quietly by the fire and picked up the hand screen. Sheused it as a fan, slowly tilting⁸ her wrist to and fro. Her eyes were demure³ and downcast.

 

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