"I meant, and you found all Mrs. Derinzy's anticipations realised?"
"Not the least in the world. I don't find my cousin amusing, and I am sure he doesn't talk much; he walks about smoking a pipe and smoothing his moustache with his fingers; and whenever one speaks to him, his thoughts seem to be a long way off, and he has to call them back before he answers you. I told my aunt he was like those people you read of in books, who are in love."
"What did she say to that?"
"She smiled, and said she had noticed the same since Paul had been down here, and that very likely that might be the reason."
"You must not be hard on Paul," said George Wainwright, at the same time frowning slightly; "if you knew him as well as I do, you would think him the best fellow in the world."
"I find that that is what is always said of people whom I don't care about," said Annette, quietly.
"My father, for instance," said George, with a laugh, "and Mrs. Stothard."
"Of Dr. Wainwright, certainly," said Annette. "My aunt and uncle are never tired of proclaiming his praises; and my aunt has reasons, for I believe it is to his skill that my aunt owes her life; but I never heard anyone say anything good of Mrs. Stothard."
"Poor Mrs. Stothard," said George. "She will most likely---- Ah, here is the Captain."
The gentleman strolling up the little white path which led over the cliff to the sea was indeed Captain Derinzy, limping along and slashing at the bushes with his cane in his usual military manner. He looked very much astonished at seeing Annette walking with his guest, and did not disguise his surprise.