The Hidden Children by Robert William Chambers Chapter 15 Page 33

the like of which I had never before seen, and I stepped back instinctively, like a man who intrudes on privacy unawares.

“Come in, Euan!” cried Lois, with a gaiety which seemed slightly forced; and I came, awkwardly, not meeting their eyes, and made for the ladder to get myself below.

Whereat both laughed. Lois rose and went behind the blanket to the loop, and Lana said, with a trace of her former levity:

“Broad-brim! Do you fly blushing from my levete? The Queen of France receives in scanter attire, I hear. Sit you on yonder bench and play courtier amiably for once.”

She seemed so frail and white and young, lying there, her fair hair unpowdered and tumbled about her face — so childlike and helpless —