“I am glad to be at home, Ernest, glad to see all of my friends, of course, glad to get to the West again, to the woods here and the mountains and all.”
“And you did not come in to see us as you passed,” gazing at her with reproachful eyes and edging her still further away from the others.
“Oh, we intended to come in on our way back.”
“Let's move on,” said Romayne to his sister.
“We must be going, Kathleen dear,” said Mrs. Waring-Gaunt. “You will soon be coming to see us?”
“Yes, indeed, you may be sure. It is so good to see you,” replied the girl warmly, as Mrs. Waring-Gaunt kissed her good-bye. “Good-bye, Mr. Romayne; we must finish our discussion another time.”
“Always at your service,” replied Mr. Romayne, “although I am rather afraid of you. Thank you again for your hospitality. Good-bye.” He held her hand, looking down into the blue depths of her eyes until as before the crimson in her face recalled him. “Good-bye. This has been a wonderful day to me.” He mounted his horse, lifted his hat, and rode off after his sister.
“What sort of a chap is the Johnnie?” said Jack to his sister as they rode away.
“Not a bad sort at all; very bright fellow, quite popular in this community with the young fellows. He has lots of money, you know, and spends it. Of course, he is fearfully German, military style and all that.”
“Seems to own that girl, eh?” said Jack, glancing back over his shoulder at the pair.