“Only another half-an-hour,” Sir John told her.
Because he spoke in such an enthusiastic way, she said,
“I believe you are thrilled at coming home and, as I have heard you talk so much about it and also Papa gave me a vivid description of how much it had been altered, it will be very sad if I find it disappointing.”
“I am quite sure you will not feel disappointed,” he replied. “And, if you had seen the house before your father waved his magic wand, you would be excused for thinking it dark, dismal and greatly in need of repair.”
He smiled before he added,
“But now it is perfection itself and I defy any house in England to better it or for that matter to have an owner as beautiful as you.”
“Do you really mean that?” Melita asked him. “Or are you just cheering me up? I should feel m
