"Yes; it claims all my thought, though now and then I deny the claim. The sea pulls and a boat's a fascinating toy; but a time comes when one must put one's toys away."
"For all that, you came to the regattas and won the cup."
Wyndham smiled and, for the moon was bright, Flora noted the reckless sparkle in his eyes.
"You know why I came and why I won the cup," he said. "Perhaps I'm vain, but I wanted you to see I could beat the others whose toys are all that occupy them. I have not their luck, and my object for coming drives me back to town. If I'm to realize my ambitions, I have got to work."
"Then you are ambitious?" Flora remarked and looked away.
"Very," he replied quietly. "I know my drawbacks and they must be removed. I have inherited the responsibilities of an embarrassed house. My job's to repair its credit, wipe out debts, and make Wyndhams' respected, as it was respected once. A big job, but the ambition behind it gives me driving force."
He paused and gave her a steady look. "Your father's friends are merchants and shipowners. You know I have much to build up and something to live down."
Flora was quiet for a moment or two. She had heard her friends talk about Wyndhams' and it was plain that they thought the new head of the house something of an adventurer. For all that, she was moved. She liked his frankness and his resolution. Looking about, she saw Marston and a girl she knew cross the lawn, and was tempted to join them. Had it not been for the glamour of the moonlight and sparkling sea, she might have gone.
"I wish you luck again!" she said quietly.
"Ah," he said, "that will carry me far! Farther than you think, perhaps, because I am going away."