"Did I? Then it must have been for joy. I'm perfectly happy, perfectly! And so I should always be, if there was no such place as the 'Crab and Cockle' in Yelton."
"Well, Salome, I've not been there to-night."
"No, you have not, dear father," she answered affectionately, "and that's why I'm so perfectly happy. My mind's at rest!"
[CHAPTER VII.]
An Afternoon's Outing.
MR. FOWLER was obliged to breakfast at seven o'clock, which was an hour-and-a-half before the usual breakfast hour at Greystone, on the morning following Salome's visit, as it was his intention to catch the first train to London from N—, and in order to do that he would have to leave home before eight o'clock, and drive several miles. His journey had been discussed on the previous night, and he had said good-bye to Miss Conway and the children then. But, when he entered the breakfast-room as the clock struck seven, he found his little daughter awaiting him.
"Why, Margaret!" he exclaimed in pleased surprise as he kissed her. "I did not expect to see you, my dear! You are not generally an early bird."
"I'm afraid I am rather sleepy-headed in the mornings, as a rule," she confessed, "but I made up my mind last night that I would have my breakfast with you to-day, dear father, and see you off. Now do try to eat as much as ever you can," she added practically, as the servant appeared with a tray holding a couple of covered dishes and the coffee-pot.
Mr. Fowler laughed, as he seated himself at the table with Margaret opposite to him, and said he would take her advice.
"I am sorry I have to go," he remarked, "but I have no choice in the matter, as my lawyer wants to consult me upon important business. I shall leave your mother in your charge, Margaret."