Read "Sea Mew Abbey" by Florence Warden online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
To Freda's perhaps rather prejudiced mind, the contrast between the two cousins seemed even stronger than when she had seen them a fortnight before at their own home. The fact that both were evidently harassed and anxious only emphasised the difference between them; for while Robert looked savage and sullen even under the smile with which he approached her, Dick seemed to Freda's shy eyes to look haggard, downcast and depressed to an extent which sent a pang through her heart.
Robert came first, cracking his riding-whip and singing, and assuming a jauntiness belied by the expression of his face. He raised his hat again as he came through the ruined window, and greeted Freda with much deference. He made a feint of holding out his hand, but the young lady took no notice of it.