The Admiral looked up. It was not only pain that had brought such a shadow across his face, but he tried to smile.
"I shan't be good company this afternoon," he said, with an effort to speak cheerfully.
"I don't know what possesses Uncle Ted! He is quite unlike himself." Sidney spoke resentfully.
"I think there's something going on down at the Cottage," said the Admiral a little wearily.
"But it would be too ridiculous if he were in love with Mrs. Norman," said Sidney; "and I think she aspires higher than poor Uncle Ted. She is making a fool of him, and he knows it, and that makes him angry. Why, Austin would be a much better match for her, for he will come into a big property!"
"If she wants a comfortable home, Ted could give it to her."
"By bringing her here? Oh, don't suggest such a thing! It would be too awful! I am sure she would not agree to it. She must be mistress wherever she is."
"But she would be!" said the Admiral. "Do you think this house belongs to me?"
Sidney stared at him. She thought for a minute that her father had taken leave of his senses.
And then the Admiral put his arm round her.