"Of course. Don't I deserve my dinner in return for this string of silvery fish? Come along."
The two young men walked leisurely and rather silently homeward. As they entered the gates, they caught sight of a young lady advancing slowly towards them—a young lady dressed in pale pink, with ribbons fluttering and curls flowing.
"The first rose of summer!" said Doctor Frank. "The future Madame La Touche!"
"Have you come to meet us, Rose?" asked Stanford. "Very polite of you."
"I won't be de trop," said the Doctor; "I'll go on."
Rose turned with Reginald, and Doctor Danton walked away, leaving them to follow at their leisure.
In the entrance Hall he met Kate, stately and beautiful, dressed in rustling silk, and with flowers in her golden hair.
"Have you seen Mr. Stanford?" she asked, glancing askance at the fish.
"Yes; he is in the grounds with Rose."
She smiled, and went past. Doctor Frank looked after her with a glance of unmistakable admiration.