I 've had enough of them . I kinder like her looks , though . '' Ethel Lennox had paused at the front door as Mrs. Bentley and Agnes came into the hall . Agnes gazed at the stranger with shy , unenvious admiration ; the latter stood on the stone step just where the big chestnut by the door cast flickering gleams and shadows over her dress and shining hair . She was tall , and gowned in some simple white material that fell about her in graceful folds . She wore a cluster of pale pink roses at her belt , and a big , picturesque white hat shaded her face and the glossy , clinging masses of her red hair -- hair that was neither auburn nor chestnut but simply red . Nor would anyone have wished it otherwise , having once seen that glorious mass , with all its wonderful possibilities of rippling luxuriance . Her complexion was of that perfect , waxen whiteness that goes with burnished red hair and the darkest of dilated violet eyes . Her delicately chiselled features wore what might have been a somewhat too decided impress of spirit and independence , had it not been for the sweet mouth , red and dimpled and curving , that parted in a slow , charming smile as Mrs. Bentley came forward with her kindly welcome . `` You must be real tired , Miss Lennox . It 's a long drive from the train down here . Agnes , show Miss Lennox up to her room , and tea will be ready when you come down . '' Agnes came forward with the shy grace that always won friends for her , and the two girls went slowly up the broad , old-fashioned staircase , while Mrs. Bentley bustled away to bring in the tea and put a goblet of damask roses on the table . `` She looks like a picture , does n't she , John ? '' she said to her husband . `` I never saw such a face -- and that hair too . Would you have believed red hair could be so handsome ? She seems real friendly -- none of your stuck-up fine ladies ! I 've had all I want of them , I can tell you ! '' `` Sh -- sh -- sh ! ''
said Mr. Bentley warningly , as Ethel Lennox came in with her arm about XXXXX .
Agnes Bentley John Lennox cluster damask gleams ladies looks table