‘Of course he is. Everybody likes Colonel Woodruffe. But probably you know him already, Mr Etheridge?’
‘I have met him occasionally at Sir William’s house. I have no doubt he would remember me if you were to mention my name.’
‘I will go and speak to him, if you will excuse me for a few moments.’
Clarice sped quickly across the bridge. Mr Etheridge sat down on the parapet and fanned himself with his hat.
The colonel, who had been gazing round him in some perplexity, hurried forward the moment he perceived Miss Loraine.
‘Good-morning, Colonel Woodruffe,’ said the girl as she held out her hand. ‘I am delighted to find that you have discovered us.’
‘Your sister told me that you were all to be at High Ghyll to-day, so I have driven round in search of you. But where are the rest of the party?’
‘Gone in search of the picturesque, I have no doubt. Mora was here a little while ago; and see’—pointing with her finger—‘yonder are her sketch-book and shawl, so that she cannot be far away.’
The colonel had been gazing over Clarice’s shoulder at Mr Etheridge. ‘Whom have you yonder?’ he asked. ‘I seem to know his face.’
‘Such a dear old gentleman!—Mr Etheridge, Sir William Ridsdale’s secretary.’