“Have they heard bad news? Surely it is time that they were coming home again,” said May.
“They might have been home before this time. But the voyage is often longer. I don’t think there is any anxiety as yet.”
“Well—we can go down to the Tangle Stanes. And will Hugh come too? I see the pony is brought round.”
But they could not go at once, for Jean heard her father’s voice calling her, and went to his room. As she did not return immediately, May and the lad set off together.
“Jean will come to the Tangle Stanes. I will wait for her there. And you can go on by yourself, Hugh, and meet us there afterwards.” And a message to this effect was left for Miss Dawson.
Jean found her father sitting with an open letter in his hand. He made a movement as though he meant to give it to her, but withdrew it again saying,—
“I fancy it was only meant for my eye. I have a surprise for you, Jean. Mr Manners, the university professor I told you about, writes, offering a visit. He does not say when, but soon—as soon as may be.”
“Mr Manners! I did not know that you had asked him, papa.”
“Oh, yes! I asked him in a general way, as I did others—if he should ever be in this part of the country. But he is coming for a particular reason, it seems.”
“Papa! Not for May?” said Jean sitting down suddenly.