CHAPTER II

MABEL'S PEARLS

Four months after Marston reached England, Wyndham came home. He had got thin and, when he was quiet, looked worn, but he had returned in triumph and soon persuaded Marston that his efforts had earned a rich reward. Things had gone better than his letters indicated.

On the evening of his arrival, he waited in Flora's drawing-room for Chisholm, who had not yet got back from his office at the port. Electric lights burned above the mantel and Wyndham sat by the cheerful fire, with Flora in a low chair opposite. For a time she had listened while he talked, and now her eyes rested on him with keen but tranquil satisfaction. Harry had come back, as she had known he would come, like a conqueror. She was proud that he had justified her trust, and although it had been hard to let him go, this did not matter.

She was ashamed of her hesitation when he first declared himself her lover, but the suspicion that she was rash had not lasted long. Flora was loyal and when she had accepted him looked steadily forward. It was not her habit to doubt and look back. One thing rather disturbed her; Harry was obviously tired. Before he went away his talk and laugh were marked by a curious sparkle that Flora thought like the sparkle of wine. This had gone, but, in a way, she liked him better, although his sober mood was new.

By-and-by he glanced about the room, which was rather plainly furnished, but with a hint of artistic taste. Chisholm was not rich and the taste was Flora's. Then he moved his chair and leaned forward to the fire with a languid smile.

1. Does Wyndham look fat?
2. Where did he arrive?
3. Did Marston reach England at the same time?
4. Then when he did?
5. Have Marston become successful in his efforts?
6. Did his correspondence imply otherwise?
7. On arrival where he waited?
8. For whom?
9. Where Chisholm was at that time?
10. Where he works?

Provide a numbered list of answers.
1. No
2. home
3. No
4. Four months earlier?
5. Yes
6. Yes
7. in Flora's drawing-room
8. Chisholm,
9. He had not yet got back from his office
10. at the port.