But they reached Eide without further accident, although rain fell steadily during the last hour of the drive.
It is the pleasant and primitive practice at Eide, especially in rainy weather, for the visitors to assemble in the large entrance-hall and verandah to watch the arrival of new-comers.
"If the show had been got up expressly for their benefit, and they had duly paid for their seats, they could not stare more frankly, could they?" laughed the Sahib, as he helped the ladies out of the calesch. "There is not an atom of concealment about it."
"Great privilege for us, upon my soul, to afford so much entertainment!" growled Sir Douglas.
"Won't you come for a turn in the garden before you go up-stairs?" the Sahib asked Mona, when the question of rooms had been settled. "We have five minutes to spare before supper, and there is a fine view of the fjord."
"But alack! what a change after dear, rugged old Stalheim!" she said, as they strolled down to the water's edge. "This might almost be an Interlaken garden."
"Quite tropical, isn't it? But look at the fjord!"
It spread out before them in a soft, hazy golden light, and the tiny waves broke gently on the steps at their feet.
Mona's face kindled. She did not think it necessary to speak.
"And yet," she said a minute later, "it is a cruel fjord. It is going to take us back to civilisation again." And then she could scarcely repress a laugh. Civilisation, indeed! Civilisation in a small shop at Borrowness!