The words, which were uttered by her grandfather, made Nell look quickly down at him, a still greater astonishment widening her eyes. He had raised his head, and was holding his quizzing-glass up. Through it he unhurriedly surveyed the Captain from head to foot. Then he let it fall, and held out his hand. “How do you do? I am glad that you have found yourself able to visit me, sir. You will forgive me for not rising to greet you: it is not, I regret to say, within my power to get up without assistance.”
The Captain came across the room, and took the hand in his. “How do you do, sir? It is I, rather, who should ask your pardon for coming to you so improperly dressed. Indeed, I have never more regretted being parted from my baggage!”
Sir Peter sought his quizzing-glass again, and levelled it. “Just as I thought: Scott!” he remarked.
The Captain smiled. “Why, yes, sir!”
“Schultz used to make my coats, but you military men always go to Scott. I fancy, Captain Staple, that you need no introduction to my granddaughter?”
“No, sir.” John turned to shake hands with Nell. His fingers gripped hers reassuringly. “I made Miss Stornaway’s acquaintance three days ago.”
“Just so!” said Sir Peter, regarding them from under drooping eyelids. “You must know, Nell, that Captain Staple is here in response to my invitation. I have had a great curiosity to meet him.”
“Miss Stornaway knows, sir, that it has been my earnest wish to visit you. Had it not been for your indisposition, I must have requested permission to do so.”
“Ah! I am, unfortunately, beset by persons who, from folly and good-will, seek to spare me the least excitement, and succeed only in vexing me beyond bearing!” said Sir Peter acidly.
John laughed. “It is too bad, sir! But I perceive that you contrive, in spite of anything they may do, to get your own way!”