"Yes," he repeated more briskly, "I brought it with me—we have no home in London now—and one day I hope to finish it. So Angel told you about it, did she? What did she say? But, there, I won't ask, for I know my little maid has an exalted idea of her father's abilities. Poor child, she has always kept her faith in me. Would you like to see my picture?"
"Oh, indeed I should!" Gilbert cried, a flush of delight rising to his sallow face at the thought.
"Then, you shall; but not to-day. I don't think I shall feel up to much this afternoon. How about to-morrow?"
"I could come then—any time."
"In the afternoon? We shall all be glad to see you."
"Thank you, so much. I will be at Haresdown House about three o'clock. Are you going to walk home?" Gilbert inquired, for his companion looked pale and tired, he thought.
"Oh no! I am going to wait here until my uncle joins me. He has set up a pony-carriage, you know, and will arrive from the town to drive me home. I can't face that hill yet."
"I should think not."
"But I hope to do so very soon. What a pretty place Wreyford is! This bridge is very old, I imagine?"
"Yes; it is one of the old county bridges. Have you seen the church?"