夜雨聆风Mrs. Jefferson acknowledged the introduction by bending her head.
A plain woman, was Melchett’s first impression. Then, as a slight smilecame to her lips and she spoke, he changed his opinion. She had a singu-larly charming and sympathetic voice and her eyes, clear hazel eyes, werebeautiful. She was quietly but not unbecomingly dressed and was, hejudged, about thirty-five years of age.
She said:
“My father-in-law is asleep. He is not strong at all, and this affair hasbeen a terrible shock to him. We had to have the doctor, and the doctorgave him a sedative. As soon as he wakes he will, I know, want to see you.
In the meantime, perhaps I can help you? Won’t you sit down?”
Mr. Prestcott, anxious to escape, said to Colonel Melchett: “Well—er—ifthat’s all I can do for you?” and thankfully received permission to depart.
With his closing of the door behind him, the atmosphere took on a mel-low and more social quality. Adelaide Jefferson had the power of creatinga restful atmosphere. She was a woman who never seemed to say any-thing remarkable but who succeeded in stimulating other people to talkand setting them at their ease. She struck now the right note when shesaid:
“This business has shocked us all very much. We saw quite a lot of thepoor girl, you know. It seems quite unbelievable. My father-in-law is ter-ribly upset. He was very fond of Ruby.”
Colonel Melchett said:
