"When do you start on this expedition?"
"About seven, which will interfere with your dinner, for Miss Payne and I have adopted primitive habits, and do not dine late; we indulge in high tea instead."
"Nevertheless, I shall meet you at the jetty. Till then adieu."
"May we come with you?" cried the boys together—"just as far as the hotel?"
"No, dears; you must stay at home," said Katherine, decidedly.
"Then do let him come and see how the puppy is. He has grown quite big."
"Yes, I'll come round to the kennel if you'll show me the way," replied De Burgh, with a smiling glance at Katherine. "Till this evening, then," he added, and bowing to Miss Payne, left the room, the boys capering beside him.
"I should say that man has breakfasted on honey this morning," observed Miss Payne, with a sardonic smile. "Does he think that he has only to come, to see, and to conquer?"
"He has been quite pleasant," said Katherine. "I wonder why he is not always nice? He used to be almost rude at Castleford sometimes." She paused, while Miss Payne rose from the table and began to lock away the wine. "I wonder what has become of Mr. Payne? He has not been here for a long time."
"What made you think of him?" asked his sister, sharply.