‘I know what you mean,’ cried Nina rapidly. ‘You are veritable Arabs in your estimate of hospitality, and he who has eaten your salt is sacred.’
‘You remind me of what I had nigh forgotten, Nina—of our coming guests.’
‘Do you know why Walpole and his friend are coming?’
‘They are already come, Nina—they are out walking with papa; but what has brought them here I cannot guess, and, since I have heard your description of Ireland, I cannot imagine.’
‘Nor can I,’ said she indolently, and moved away.
CHAPTER LXXV
MATHEW KEARNEY’S REFLECTIONS
To have his house full of company, to see his table crowded with guests, was nearer perfect happiness than anything Kearney knew; and when he set out, the morning after the arrival of the strangers, to show Major Lockwood where he would find a brace of woodcocks, the old man was in such spirits as he had not known for years.
‘Why don’t your friend Walpole come with us?’ asked he of his companion, as they trudged across the bog.