The Mountain Girl by Emma Payne Erskine Chapter 25 Page 10

sense of heavy order without the many touches of feminine occupation and arrangement which tend to soften a man’s half military reign. As he was being led through the halls, he noticed a subtile change which warmed his quick senses. Was it the presence of his mother and Laura? His entrance interrupted an animated conversation which was being held between the two as the manservant announced his name, and, in another instant, his mother was in his arms.

“Dear little mother! Dear little mother!” But she was not small. She was tall and dignified, and David had to stoop but little to bring his eyes level with hers.

“David, I’m here, too.” A hand was laid on his arm, and he released his mother to turn and look into two warm brown eyes.