Читать книгу Edith Percival. A Novel онлайн

52 страница из 61

A sudden turn in the road brought them, at length, in sight of Percival Hall. An avenue of stately horse-chestnuts led up to the Hall itself—an imposing-looking structure of red brick. Behind the house was an extensive orchard, and nearer still, a pretty flower-garden.

"There's papa—there's papa!" exclaimed Edith, springing up and clapping her hands; and before Fred, who had risen, could assist her, she had leaped out, and flew into the arms of an elderly gentleman, who came humming carelessly down the steps in front of the mansion.

While the major with many an exclamation of surprise and delight, embraced his daughter, Fred scrutinized him from head to foot.

In stature he was about middle size, stout, and squarely built, with prominent features and high cheek-bones. There was an air of sternness and command about him, while the firmly-closed mouth betrayed unusual obstinacy in following his own opinions. The high, broad forehead and massive head displayed a lofty intellect; and there was a piercing keenness in the gaze of his sharp grey eyes, that gave an observer the uncomfortable sensation that he was reading their inmost thoughts.