"Very pleasantly employed, Tom," said Tincroft, quietly; for he was the intruder.
Tom started to his feet.
"Don't hurry," said John; "but when Miss Wilson has quite done with your services, I want a word or two."
The young lady graciously gave Tom permission to retire; and the two gentlemen walked slowly down the path together without speaking until they had reached the farther end. Then John wheeled round (as also did Tom), and stood looking from the distance towards the fair gardeneress, who was now, as it seemed, occupied in gathering a nosegay.
"Tom, don't you think it would be better for you to return home to-morrow?" said Tincroft, after a rather awkward pause.
Master Tom looked his elderly friend in the face, with some surprise, as well he might, perhaps, for John Tincroft was not usually anxious to get rid of his guests.
"Do you think so, sir?" the young fellow asked.
"I'll tell you presently what I think," said John, "and also why I think it, if I do think it. You may be sure of one thing, at any rate—I shall be very sorry to lose your good company."
"Thank you, Mr. Tincroft. You are very kind," said young Tom.
"You would like to stay over next week, it being the grand cricket week?" continued John.