Next morning Mr. Peyton was up betimes in his character of host, and ordered the servants about, and was in high spirits; only they gave place to amazement when Griffith Gaunt came down, and played the host, and was in high spirits.
Neville too watched his rival, and was puzzled at his radiancy.
So breakfast passed in general mystification. Kate, who could have thrown a light, did not come down to breakfast. She was on her defence.
She made her first appearance out of doors.
Very early in the morning, Mr. Peyton, in his quality of master, had ordered the gardener to cut and sweep the snow off the gravel walk that went round the lawn. And on this path Miss Peyton was seen walking briskly to and fro in the frosty, but sunny air.
Griffith saw her first, and ran out to bid her good morning.
Her reception of him was a farce. She made him a stately courtesy for the benefit of the three faces glued against the panes, but her words were incongruous. "You wretch," said she, "don't come here. Hide about, dearest, till you see me with Father Francis. I'll raise my hand so when you are to cuddle him, and fib. There, make me a low bow, and retire."
He obeyed, and the whole thing looked mighty formal and ceremonious from the breakfast-room.
"With your good leave, gentlemen," said Father Francis, dryly, "I will be the next to pay my respects to her." With this he opened the window and stepped out.
Kate saw him, and felt very nervous. She met him with apparent delight.