The squire said no more, but his brow was knit as he turned away from me.
"I'll go and see Harrod," said he. "Can you tell me at all where I shall find him?"
"He's down at Pharisee Farm at the sheep-shearing," said I. "He and Reuben are having a quarrel over Southdowns. He wants to have Southdowns in the flock. But if he goes away there'll be no Southdowns needed."
Mr. Broderick made no answer to this, he strode on down the road. But when he had gone a few steps he turned.
"By-the-bye, will you tell your father," he said, "that my nephew came down with me last night? I believe he wants to see him on some affair or other. No doubt he'll call round in the afternoon."
He went on quickly, and I stood there wondering. Frank Forrester back again at the Manor! Did he suppose that Joyce had returned? Did he hope to see her? Poor fellow! He little knew mother.
"Father," said I, as I joined him on the hill, "do you know that Captain Forrester has come down again?"
He stopped, he was a little out of breath; I even fancied that his cheek was flushed.
"You don't say so!" said he. "He gave me no idea of it in his letter. No idea at all."