The Westminster clock on the stairs chimed as they passed down, and Mr. Evringham was waiting for them in the dining-room. As he said good-morning he looked beyond them, expectantly.
Mrs. Forbes greeted them respectfully and indicated their seats.
"Where is Jewel?" asked the host.
"In dreamland. You couldn't waken her with a volley of artillery," returned Harry cheerfully.
"H'm," returned his father.
They all took their places at the table and Julia remarked on the charming outlook from the windows.
"Yes," returned the host. "I'm sorry I can't stay at home this morning and do the honors of the park. I shall leave that to Harry and Jewel. As we were rather late last night I didn't take my canter this morning. If you wish to have a turn on the mare, Harry, Zeke knows that the stables are in your hands. No one but myself rides Essex Maid, but I'll make a shining exception of you."
"I appreciate the honor," returned Harry lightly, but as a matter of fact he did not at all grasp its extent.
"If you'd like to take your wife for a drive there's the Spider. The child will want to show you her pony and will probably get you off on some excursion. Tell her there is time enough and not to make you do two days' work in one."
After breakfast the trio adjourned to the piazza and Julia looked out on the thick, dewy grass and spreading trees.