“Oh, all right. I should not have said a word but for the wigging I had.”
“Good-morning,” cried the young lieutenant, walking his horse up to where they stood. “Neil down yet?”
“No,” replied Alison. “Yes, he is. That’s being a doctor. I believe these fellows can do without sleep. You knew he had come, then?”
“Yes; heard it from the postman. Ah, Neil, old fellow!”
The young doctor came up looking rather pale, but in no wise like one who had been travelling all night, and shook hands warmly with all, supplementing the grasp of his hand with a clap on the young sailor’s shoulder of a very warm and friendly nature.
“You are here early, Burwood,” he said.
“Yes. Mr Elthorne planned one of his rides yesterday; weather’s so fine. On the make-your-hay-while-the-sun-shines principle. He wants me to try his new horse for him.”
Five minutes later the young men had paired off and were strolling down the garden, waiting for the breakfast bell, which was always rung as soon as the head of the family came down.
“I’m so glad you’ve come down, Neil,” said Beck eagerly.
“Why?”