Surely there was quite a new note in his voice! He rose; his languor left him; he came up to Farmer King and held out his hand.
“Why, good old friend,” he said, “it seems ages since we met. Do you remember that day when we were boys together and went in search of robins’ eggs?”
“Don’t I?” said the farmer.
He gave an embarrassed laugh, which ended in a sort of roar.
“And haven’t I the eggs safe still?” he said. “I have parted with many things, but not with the eggs the young squire and I took together.”
“It is ages since we met,” said Mr. Dale. “You are looking very well, Robert—admirably well. I am pleased to see you. Sit down, won’t you? Pray sit down.”
“That man is enough to turn the brain of any one,” was Miss Tredgold’s private ejaculation. Aloud she said:
“I presume, Farmer King, that you have not come here without a story to tell.”
“That is just it, madam. And now, if I may speak, I will tell you my story.”
“We are all prepared to listen,” said Miss Tredgold.