Hat and umbrella being disposed of, and the visitor seated, there was an awkward pause.
"You are justly wondering what has brought Roger Hazelwood to London, and to you, madam," he began, "and as I never can get through a circumbendibus creditably, I must just go straight to the point. We—that is, my wife and daughter and I—are very much pleased with the old Moat House; it is everything we could wish, excepting—"
"Sir, I beg your pardon," burst in Guy, hastily, "but did you come here to tell my mother this?"
"Patience, young man," said the Squire, with an amused smile, "I certainly did, though the tail of my speech is more to the purpose; only I could not thrust it in backwards.—Excepting that it is a great deal too large for our small party, and requires a comfortable merry group to make it feel warm and homely. Now for you to be shut up in this foggy hole (I beg pardon) while the whole Falcon Range is longing to have you back again, seems nothing short of insanity; so I came with our united request that you all return with me, and live where you are so well loved, and teach us how to win and wear a share of the hearts of the people around us."
Mrs. Falconer and her children sat speechless, gazing with wonder at the kind, earnest face of the Squire, who evidently meant every word he said. And what was to be said in return?
"I have been uncouth, I'm afraid, madam; my wife would have done better than I, but I could not allow her to take the journey, therefore she will talk over matters with you after you get back. You are not going to refuse my escort, I hope. Look at your son and daughter, Mrs. Falconer, look into your own mirror for a moment, and I am answered; you cannot deny that the argument is strong in my favour. Besides, my Evelyn wants a companion, that black pony of Master Guy's wants exercise, the parson wants his helpers, and the old people want their flannel things against the winter. You'll come?"
THE VISIT TO LONDON.
"Dear sir, we have really been dumb only from surprise," said Mrs. Falconer. "I do not know how to answer you."
"Mother," said Guy, "it is impossible for me. You know I must and will work."