"I feel as if I was going to land him to-day," muttered the jovial captain to himself.
And his face was actually beaming with smiles, as his hand rested on the knocker.
"Oh, good, morning, Mrs. Wilmot," he said, heartily; "how are you this bright morning, Mrs. Wilmot?"
"Better, thank you, Captain Robinson," returned the housekeeper, giving him an odd glance.
"That's hearty. Why, you are looking more yourself."
"Better in health, because better in spirits," said the housekeeper, insidiously.
The captain pricked up his ears at this.
"Any better news by chance, Mrs. Wilmot?" said he.
"Ah, that there is indeed," said she.
"About the master?" asked he.