In due time he arrived, looking all the better for his journey, and was welcomed by Mrs. Chisel with enthusiasm. He was more pleased to see his grandchildren than their mother, for, like everyone else, he found her a trifle wearisome. As for Ruth, when she saw once more her father's grave face and kindly eyes, she was ashamed of all that had been in her mind; and she displayed so much affection that Mr. Cass was surprised, for as a rule his younger daughter was not demonstrative.
"You don't look well, Ruth," he said. And indeed her face was worn and thin. "What is the matter?"
"Nothing, papa. What should be the matter?"
"You are worrying about young Webster?" he asked, rather sharply.
"No, indeed," she protested. "I have quite got over my feeling for him. It was a mere girlish fancy."
"Of course it was," put in Mrs. Chisel, with superior wisdom. "And she is taking my advice, papa, about Mr. Heron."
"Is this true, Ruth?"
"Well, it may be," she said, hesitatingly. "I like him much better than I did. Have you heard anything of Mr. Webster, papa?" For she was anxious to hear if her father knew that Neil was at Bognor.
"No, nothing. I believe he is abroad, and I sincerely hope that he will stay there. Marry Heron, my dear Ruth, and forget all about him."
Ruth found it impossible to say more then, but determined to wait until her sister had retired for the night before seeking speech with her father.