Kenneth hoped from this letter that he might find them all at home. He had had a letter from Captain Berington at Christmas, in which he told him that Violet was quite well again, and that he was sorry to say that Miss Douglas was leaving. He wondered whether Marjorie had by this time undertaken any other work. He could not help hoping that she was included in the all in her mother's letter.
When at last his packing was finished, Mrs. Hall took an affectionate farewell of her lodger. He told her that he would like to hear now and again how she got on, and he would therefore give her his future address. He handed her his card, and when she had glanced at it she turned quite pale.
"Who's this, sir?" she said. "This isn't your name!"
"It is, Mrs. Hall—my very own."
"But you're not an earl, surely!"
"Yes, I am, Mrs. Hall."
"Deary me! And I've waited on you and scolded you when you wouldn't get better dinners. I'm fair scared, sir!"
Kenneth laughed at her dismay.
"Never mind, Mrs. Hall," he said, shaking hands with her at parting. "You've been a good friend to me, and I shall never forget your kindness."
"To think of that!" Mrs. Hall would say to her friends. "I've waited on a real live earl! I'm not half proud!"