'Exactly, papa; we will go directly if Miss Hall likes.'
The three ladies left the room, and, as Rowland glanced after them, he very decidedly wished that he might be permitted to accompany them. One other great wish he also had at his heart, the conversion of Miss Gwynne to a purer and higher tone of mind. He did not, we grieve to say, bestow a similar pastoral thought on Miss Nugent.
'That position of your queen at such an early stage of the game must be an oversight, I think. Excuse me, but I could not take such an unfair advantage,' said Mr Gwynne.
Rowland was roused at once. He gave himself up to his game, and an hour afterwards, when the ladies returned from their walk, and candles were ordered, it was still in progress, but he had the best of it.
'Will you sing for us, Serena?' said Freda.
'Will you sing a duet with me?' was the reply.
The duet was sung, and another and another and another, and Rowland lost the game.
Mr Gwynne arose, very much elated and rubbing his hands gently, according to his wont.
'How do you feel, general, defeated?' asked Freda.
'Very much like a subaltern,' said Rowland.