Neva recognized her guardians, and welcomed them all in turn with handshakings and quiet greetings. Lady Wynde introduced the Blacks, father and son, to the new-comers.
“This is scarcely a business visit, Miss Neva,” said Sir John Freise, leading his young hostess to a sofa with old-fashioned gallantry. “Lord Towyn and Mr. Atkins have been closeted with me to-day, discussing your affairs in the way of rents and leases, but it is our business to spare you these details, and it is your province to enjoy the fruits of our labors,” and he smiled paternally upon her. “We are come to welcome you back to the home of your fathers, and to express the hope that you will fill worthily the place your father has resigned to you.”
“I will try to walk in papa’s steps,” returned Neva, lowly and gravely.
“Lady Freise and my girls will call upon you to-morrow,” said Sir John. “They sent their love to you, and would have come to-day, but that I begged them to allow you a day to rest in after your journey. You will be inundated with visitors, Miss Neva. The Lady of Hawkhurst will not be permitted to hide her light under a bushel! Lady Freise has already projected no end of fetes, balls and dinners in your honor, and she has persuaded our young friend Lord Towyn to spend a month with us, so that you will not lack an escort, should you desire one.”
“You are very thoughtful, Sir John,” said Lady Wynde, with a curl of the lip. “Miss Wynde, however, can never lack for an escort. I fancied, when I saw you three gentlemen enter in such formidable array, that some horrid red-tape business was about to be transacted. I did not know indeed but that you had come with some official suggestions as to the management of the household, or to discuss the matter of pin-money.”
“All that is settled by Sir Harold’s will,” said Mr. Atkins quietly. “The baronet was very explicit in his directions, and assigned to Miss Wynde an extraordinarily liberal allowance until she comes of age, when, of course she comes into full possession of her magnificent revenues. Your residence at Hawkhurst was also provided for, Lady Wynde with a very handsome allowance in recognition of your services to Miss Wynde as friend and chaperon.”
“And are we compelled to remain at Hawkhurst, whether we will or not?” demanded the baronet’s widow.
“Certainly not,” replied Atkins. “You and Miss Wynde are free to reside where you please, but it is natural to suppose you will prefer for a stated residence the seat of the family grandeur.”
Lady Wynde made no reply, but her glittering eyes became speculative.
The visitors, while courteous to her ladyship, bestowed the larger share of their attention upon the young heiress to whom their visit was directed. They had intended to make but a brief call, but the time flew by as if on wings. Neva talked with them with cheerful gayety or gravity, as the subject rendered befitting, and at Sir John’s request played and sang for him. Lord Towyn leaned over the piano, turning the music leaves, a rapt expression on his face, and there was not one present, save Neva, who failed to see that he was already the lover of the beautiful young heiress.