There were some new arrivals in the hall, chiefly men. One of them looked up suddenly, and I saw that it was Mr. Somers. He contemplated me and my cavalier with unconcealed surprise. However, he had evidently made up his mind that I was no ghost, but my own solid self, for as I put my white slipper on the last step, he came forward with an out-stretched hand, and said—
“How do you do, Miss Hayes? You were the last to speed me, and almost the first person I meet when I return home. Hullo, Aubrey,” to my companion, “going strong, eh? How are all the horses?”
“Oh, fairly fit. When did you come back?”
“This afternoon; and my sister put me on duty at once, you see. She is stopping all night for the meet to-morrow, and so am I.”
“So am I,” echoed the other triumphantly.
“How is Mrs. Hayes?” inquired Mr. Somers. “Is she here this evening?”
“She is pretty well, thank you. No, she is not here to-night.”
“Are you staying in the neighborhood?”
“Yes; for the present—at Stonebrook.”