"Alan! is it to-night you expect Father Leadham?"
"Yes," said Helbeck.
"Have you told Laura?"
"I will remind her that we expect him. It is annoying that I must leave you to entertain him to-morrow."
"Oh! we shall do very well," said Augustina rather eagerly. "Alan, have you noticed Laura, yesterday and to-day? She doesn't look strong."
"I know," said the Squire shortly. His eyes were fixed all the time on the little figure of Laura, as she sat listlessly in a sunny corner of the bowling-green, with a book on her knee.
Augustina, who had been leaning on his arm, went back to the house.
Helbeck advanced and threw himself down beside Laura.
"Little one—if you keep such pale cheeks—what am I to do?"
She looked down upon him with a languid smile.
"I am all right."