And, partly because of their real admiration, partly because of a spirit of ownership, the artist colony loved and cherished their Headland House with a jealous sensitiveness to criticism.
Stunning thing, from here, John Clark said, after a few moments of further smoking and gazing; all the same, as I stated, I shouldnt care to live up there.
Too difficult of access, Claire Blackwood said, but, otherwise all right.
Mrs Blackwood was a widow, young, attractive, and of a psychic turn of mind. Not enough of an occultist to make her a bore, but possessing quick and sure intuitions and claiming some slight clairvoyant powers. She dabbled in water colors, and did an occasional oil. She was long-limbed, with long fingers and long feet, and usually had a long scarf of some gauzy texture trailing about her. Of an evening or even on a dressy afternoon, she had a long panel or sash-end hanging below her short skirt, and which was frequently trodden on by blundering, inattentive feet.
Good-looking, of course, Claire Blackwood was, she took care to be that, but her utmost care could not make her beautiful, much to her own chagrin. Her scarlet lips were too thin, and the angle of her jaw too hard. Yet she was handsome, and by virtue of her personality and her implicit belief in her own importance, she was the leader socially, notwithstanding the fact that the colony disclaimed any society element in its life.
Tell us about the Headland House people, Claire. Youve called, havent you?
This from Ted Landon, who by reason of his sheer impudence was forgiven any unconventionality. No other man at the Harbor would have dreamed of addressing Mrs Blackwood by her first name.
Yes; Ive called. Theyre delightful people. The words said more than the tone.
With reservations? asked North.
Oh, in a way. Theyre quite all right, its only that theyre not picture mad, as we all are.
Ignorant?
Oh, no, not that. Well, Ill sketch them for you. Mr Varian is a Wall Street man,
Magnate?
Yes, I daresay. Wealthy, anyway. Hes big and Vandyke-bearded. Well mannered, but a bit preoccupied, if
Yes, we get what you mean, said the irrepressible Ted. Go on, what about the daughter?
I havent come to her yet. The mother is due first. Mrs Varian is the clingingest vine I ever saw. I only saw her on parade, of course, but Im positive that in curl-papers, she can whine and fret and fly into nervous spasms! Her husband spoils her, hes far too good to her,
What a lot you gathered at one interview, murmured Lawrence North.
Thats what I went for, Mrs Blackwood returned, coolly. Well. Mother Varian is wrapped up in her blossom-child. Betty is a peach, as I know you boys will agree, but I never saw greater idolatry in any mother than Mrs Varian shows.
Betty worth it? asked John Clark, idly.
Rather! Mrs Blackwood assured him. Shes a dear thing. I dont often enthuse over young girls, but Betty Varian is unusual.
As how?
Prettier than most girls, more charm, better manners, and, a suspicion of brains. Not enough to hurt her, but enough to make it a pleasure to talk to her. Moreover, shes a wilful, spoiled, petted darling of two worshipping parents, and its greatly to her credit that she isnt an arrogant, impossible chit.
Sounds good to me, commented Ted; when can I meet her?
Ill introduce you soon. They want to meet some of our best people
Of course. That lets me in at once. When will you take me?
Tomorrow afternoon. Theyre having a small picnic and they asked me to bring two amusing young men.
May I go? asked Lawrence North.
Young men, I said, and Mrs Blackwood looked at him calmly. You are old enough to be Betty Varians father!
Well, since Im not, that neednt prevent my meeting her.
So you shall, some time. But Im to take two tomorrow, and, what do you think? I said I would bring Rodney Granniss, and Mr Varian said, No, hed rather I asked some one in his place!
Why, for heavens sake? cried Landon. Rods our star performer.
Well, you see, they know him
All the more reason
Oh, its this way. Rod Granniss is already a beau of Bettys, and her father doesnt approve of the acquaintance.
Not approve of Granniss! John Clark looked his amazement. Mr Varian must be an old fuss!
I think thats just what he is, assented Claire Blackwood, and then Ted Landon urged,
You havent described the siren yet. Whats she like to look at?
A little thing, sylphish, rather, dainty ways, quick, alert motions, and with the biggest gray eyes you ever saw, edged with black.
Raving tresses?
No; very dark brown, I think. But the liveliest coloring. Red-under-brown cheeks, scarlet lips and
I know, teeth like pearls.
No; good, sound, white teeth, and fluttering hands that emphasize and illustrate all she says.
All right, shell do, and Ted looked satisfied. I can cut out old John here, and if Granniss is barred, Ill have a cinch!
You must behave yourself, at first, anyway, because I am responsible for you. Be ready to go up there with me at four tomorrow afternoon.
Leave here at four?
Yes, well walk up. A bit of a climb, but motors can go only to the lodge, you know, and thats not worth while.