Mannering turned his head. A little rustling wind had stolen in from seaward. Above their heads flights of sea-gulls were floating out towards the creeks. He watched them idly until they dropped down.
"I do not think that she will come back at all," he said, quietly. "I heard to-day that the place was to let again."
"And Sir Leslie Borrowdean?"
"I think you may take it for granted," Mannering remarked, dryly, "that we shall see no more of him."
The girl leaned back and sighed.
"Uncle, what is it that makes you such a hermit?" she asked.
"Age, perhaps, and experience," he answered, lightly. "There are not many people in the world, Clara, who are worth while!"
"Mrs. Handsell was worth while," she murmured.
Mannering did not reply.
"And Sir Leslie Borrowdean," she continued, "was more than just worth while. I think that he was delightful."