“What are you talking about, sir? My husband is hundreds and hundreds of miles away at sea.”
“Oh, no, madam, it’s you who are at sea. Of course, he didn’t buy the property personally. I have acted as his agent, and I come merely to tell you of the transaction. The deeds are promised by noon to-morrow, when I am promising myself the pleasure of handing them to you.”
“Then his venture has turned out a success? I had my doubts of it.”
“So had I, madam, but we who predict disaster are often confounded. Everything is all right, as you remark.” Then, turning to the one who had let him in, he said reproachfully: “Please don’t scowl at me like that, but close the door and invite me into the parlor. Don’t you see I’m a visitor?”
The girl said nothing, but looked at her mother.
“Come this way, sir,” said the woman, opening the door at the left, whereupon the girl, with visible reluctance, closed the front door.
“Where are the other two girls’?” demanded Stranleigh.
“They are in the kitchen, sir.”
“Please send for them. I wish to see the whole family, being so well acquainted with the captain.”
The still unmollified door opener, at a nod from her mother, disappeared, returning shortly with the two younger children shrinking bashfully behind their elder sister, who quite evidently ruled the household.