"I hope you slept well, Captain Murpoint?" she murmured.
The captain declared that he had never slept better, and that his quarters were all that could be wished.
"Violet is not down yet," said Mrs. Mildmay. "She is late, but we were rather later than usual last night, and, I dare say, the excitement of your arrival made her feel tired. Ah, there she is."
And Violet entered at the moment, and came up to give her aunt the morning kiss.
Then she turned to the captain, and once again his bold, watchful eyes shrank for a moment before the clear, calm gaze of her pure ones.
His salutation was a finished piece of acting, so reverential, so paternally affectionate, and so respectful.
Violet shook hands with him, and tripped to her seat.
"And did the ghosts annoy you?" she asked, as the captain spoke of his night's rest.
"No; they were considerate to their guest. Perhaps when we are more familiar they may be more troublesome. You have had a good night's sleep, 'tis evident," he continued, glancing admiringly at her fair, fresh, blooming face.
"I always sleep well," said Violet, simply. "Neither ghosts nor indigestion disturb me."