Now, as Nigel and Lady Maude dallied behind, the Master of the House threw an affectionate arm around the slim shoulders of his new niece and drew her to him, as they started down the hall side by side. Philippa was overwhelmed by the bold familiarity shown by their genial host: holding her in a loose, comradely embrace, tightening his arm in an occasional squeeze, as he pointed out some feature of the magnificent house, all the while smiling broadly; welcoming her as though she were a long lost daughter. As she was propelled forward, she managed to cast a look back over her shoulder at Nigel, but he and Lady Maude were exchanging pleasantries; he seemed oblivious of her capture in the bear-like embrace of this jovial Uncle fate had bestowed upon her.
The visitors were taken into what wa
