The captain bowed.
"I must be taking my flight soon, my dear madam. I have made a long stay."
Violet looked up with one of her frank, open glances.
"You will not go yet!" she said. "You will make this your home, Captain Murpoint, as you would have done if my father were master here."
The captain's eyes moistened, and his voice trembled with emotion as he bowed over to her in his courtly way.
"My dear Miss Mildmay," he said, in a low voice, "I express my gratitude for your generous, warm-hearted welcome, and, though I cannot consent to make the Park my home, I will stay a little longer, for I must confess that I am loath to go."
"Stay as long as you can—forever!" said Violet, in her impulsive way. "You are my father's best friend, and mine, therefore."
"Do not let me be a drag on any of your plans," said the captain, earnestly. "I am an old campaigner, and can make myself comfortable anywhere. This is a charming place, but if Mrs. Mildmay would like a change, pray, pray do not let me be a hindrance."
"There is plenty of room over and over again for you in Park Place," said Violet, smiling. "So you will be no hindrance, Captain Murpoint. But I do not know that auntie really means to go to town—do you, auntie?"
"Well, my dear——" said Mrs. Mildmay, with hesitating indecision.