“He is pretty well,” said his mother; “but he is apt to be late. He gets overtired between his beloved parish work and his reading with Bobus.”
“He is lucky to get such a coach,” said Jock. “Bob taught me more mathematics in a week than I had learnt in seven years before.”
“He is terribly accurate,” said Babie.
“Which Armie does not appreciate?” said Jock.
“I’m afraid not,” said his mother. “They do worry each other a good deal, and this Infanta most of all, I’m afraid.”
“O no, mother,” said Babie. “Only it is hard for poor Armie to have two taskmasters.”
“What! the Reverend Petronella continues in the ascendant?”
Bobus here entered, with a face that lightened, as did everyone’s, at sight of Lucas.
“Good morning. Ah! Jock! I didn’t sit up, for I had had a long day out on the moors; we kept the birds nearer home for you. There are plenty, but Grimes says he has heard shots towards River Hollow, and thinks some one must have been trespassing there.”
“Have you heard anything of Elvira? apropos to River Hollow,” said his mother.