Freda's conversation was checked by the sound of horses' hoofs behind; she turned sound and saw a gentleman riding slowly up the drive. He soon overtook them, and raising his hat, said,—
'Miss Gwynne! I am sure it must be Miss Gwynne; am I right?'
Freda bowed.
'You do not remember me! twelve years make a great difference! and you were a child when I left.'
'Colonel Vaughan! Oh! I am so glad to see you!' claimed Freda. 'And papa will be charmed; we heard you were in England, but did not know you were in this county.'
Colonel Vaughan dismounted, and shook hands with Freda, evidently with all his heart, then glancing at Miss Hall, started, and said,—
'Yes—no—I beg your pardon, surely not Miss Hall.'
'Yes,' said Miss Hall, colouring slightly, and holding out her hand, I am very glad to welcome you home again, but can well imagine you did not expect to see me here.'
By this time they were at the house, and Freda was planning introducing Colonel Vaughan to her father as a stranger, and seeing whether he would recognise him or not.
She accordingly preceded him to the study, and said to Mr Gwynne, 'A gentleman wishes to see you, papa.'