But over the high , undecorated black mantel-piece , in a ruddy glow of sunset light striking through the window , hung one which caught and held Eric 's attention to the exclusion of everything else . It was the enlarged `` crayon '' photograph of a young girl , and , in spite of the crudity of execution , it was easily the center of interest in the room . Eric at once guessed that this must be the picture of Margaret Gordon , for , although quite unlike Kilmeny 's sensitive , spirited face in general , there was a subtle , unmistakable resemblance about brow and chin . The pictured face was a very handsome one , suggestive of velvety dark eyes and vivid colouring ; but it was its expression rather than its beauty which fascinated Eric . Never had he seen a countenance indicative of more intense and stubborn will power . Margaret Gordon was dead and buried ; the picture was a cheap and inartistic production in an impossible frame of gilt and plush ; yet the vitality in that face dominated its surroundings still . What then must have been the power of such a personality in life ? Eric realized that this woman could and would have done whatsoever she willed , unflinchingly and unrelentingly . She could stamp her desire on everything and everybody about her , moulding them to her wish and will , in their own despite and in defiance of all the resistance they might make . Many things in Kilmeny 's upbringing and temperament became clear to him . `` If that woman had told me I was ugly I should have believed her , '' he thought . `` Ay , even though I had a mirror to contradict her . I should never have dreamed of disputing or questioning anything she might have said . The strange power in her face is almost uncanny , peering out as it does from a mask of beauty and youthful curves . Pride and stubbornness are its salient characteristics . Well , Kilmeny does not at all resemble her mother in expression and only very slightly in feature . '' His reflections were interrupted by the entrance of Thomas and Janet Gordon . The latter had evidently been called from his work . He nodded without speaking , and the two sat gravely down before Eric . `` I have come to see you with regard to your niece , Mr. Gordon , '' he said abruptly , realizing that there would be small use in beating about the bush with this grim pair .
`` I met your -- I met Neil Gordon in the Connors orchard , and I found XXXXX he has told you that I have been meeting Kilmeny there . ''
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