Ida and her mother
were already there, for it was about time for arrivals from the
earlier train. Van Berg felt almost sure that Ida must have been
aware that he was standing near her, but she exhibited no consciousness
of his presence. When a little later they met in promenade she
bowed politely but absently, and in a way that would lead any who
were observing them to think that he was not in her thoughts. So
he was led to believe himself, but Miss Burton, who was reading in
one of the parlor windows, smiled and whispered to herself, "Well
done."
Ida was in hopes that her father would take the first opportunity
of reaching the Lake House, and she was not disappointed. The telegram
had flashed into his leaden-hued life that day like a meteor. Did
it portend good or evil? Evil only, he feared, for it seemed to
him that evil would ever be his portion. It was therefore with a
vague sense of apprehension that he looked forward to meeting his
wife and daughter.
As he emerged from the stage with the others he found Ida half-way
down the steps to greet him.
"I'm so glad you've come!" she said in a low earnest voice, and
she kissed him, not in the old formal way, as if it were the only
proper thing to do, but as a daughter greeting her father.
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