of, How do you like Mr. Paine? and How does he please in the parish? and many others of the same kind, were followed by an appeal to the girls as to how music and painting went on; and then a gentle questioning of Hilary herself as to the favorite scholars, the old women pensioners, the idle and mischievous boys who had formerly vexed her; and sundry other particulars, which proved that whatever else he had consigned to oblivion, he had not forgotten any thing connected with the welfare of his tenantry. Discussing the repairs of the church introduced the name of the Barham family, with whom he was already acquainted, and he seemed pleased to think that they had formed an intimacy with the Duncans, and amused at Sybil’s somewhat enthusiastic friendship and admiration for Dora.
The relation of what she had done for Maurice might have justified this partiality, but Sybil did not know the particulars connected with that transaction; Hilary being rather shy of owning the influence through which the long-desired promotion had been procured.
“And oh! Mr. Huyton, Maurice is a lieutenant,” was therefore the information which Gwyneth communicated, without any connection with Dora Barham’s name.
“A lieutenant! I am glad indeed to hear that! I congratulate you, my dear sir,” was Charles’s exclamation, grasping Mr. Duncan’s hand once more with warmth; “nay, I think I may do the same to you all,” added he, taking the two girls’ hands in his, and kissing little Nest very heartily. “Indeed I do congratulate you all—you, Miss Duncan, more especially.”
He dropped her sisters’ hands and advanced toward her, very gracefully, yet with a little hesitation, which bespoke doubt as to whether he were taking too great a liberty.
She could not help placing her hand in the one he extended, and she looked up with her clear innocent eyes to him, as he stood before her; there was nothing in his look to alarm her into shyness, and she met his gaze with quiet, comfortable confidence, as she said,
“Indeed it has been a pleasure, although it, like mortal affairs generally, has had a drawback, for Maurice has been ill.”
“Indeed! I am sorry—not seriously, I trust!”
Hilary glanced at her father, and then replied, “We have only had a report from the captain and doctor as yet; we are expecting further news in a short time. I will show you the letter from Captain Hepburn.”
She drew the letters from her work-basket, and gave them to him with another glance at her father, and a sort of beseeching look at him, as if deprecating any unnecessary alarm to Mr. Duncan. Charles Huyton understood her, and seating himself by her side, he quietly read through the two letters, and returned them; observing—“It was this, doubtless, that prevented his writing to me lately. I should not wonder if we were to see him here, before you hear again. He will, of course, return now.”