“Glad to see you, man: come in. Vane, lad, find your aunt, and tell her Mr Deering is here.”
“Can’t see that I’m much like him,” said Vane to himself, as he went in search of his aunt, and saw her coming downstairs.
“Here’s Mr Deering, aunt,” he said, “and uncle wants you.”
“Oh, dear me!” cried Aunt Hannah, looking troubled, and beginning to arrange her collar and cuffs.
“Why did uncle say that I was like Mr Deering, aunt?” whispered Vane. “I’m not a bit. He’s dark and I’m fair.”
“He meant like him in his ways, my dear: always dreaming about new inventions, and making fortunes out of nothing. I do hope your uncle will not listen to any of his wild ideas.”
This description of the visitor excited Vane’s curiosity. One who approved of his plans respecting the heating of the greenhouse was worthy of respect, and Vane was in no way dissatisfied to hear that Mr Deering was quite ready to accept the doctor’s hospitality for a day or two.
That afternoon, as Aunt Hannah did not show the least disposition to leave the doctor and his guest alone, the latter rose and looked at Vane.
“I should like a walk,” he said. “Suppose you take me round the garden, squire.”
Vane followed him out eagerly; and as soon as they were in the garden, the visitor said quickly:—