'A good deal. He has been at the Rectory very often when Mary and I have been invited there. The Collingwoods are very fond of him. I am sure—I think—you will like him, papa, when you come to see a little of him. He is going to call upon you.'
'He can come if he pleases,' Mr. Darrell answered with an indifferent air; 'I shall not be uncivil to him. But I am rather sorry that he has made such a favourable impression upon you, Milly.'
She was still playing with the buttons of his coat, looking downward, her dark eyes quite veiled by their long lashes.
'I did not say that, papa,' she murmured shyly.
'But I am sure of it from your manner. Has he done anything towards the improvement of Cumber?'
'O yes; he has put new roofs to some part of the stables; and the land is in better order, they say; and the gardens are kept nicely now.'
'Does he live alone at the Priory?'
'Quite alone, papa.'
'He must find it rather a dull business, I should think.'
'Mr. Collingwood says he is very fond of study, and that he has a wonderful collection of old books. He is a great smoker too, I believe; he walks a good deal; and he hunted all last winter. They say he is a tremendous rider.'