She was about to make another remark, which would possibly have greatly puzzled Harry, when looking up at the clock, she exclaimed—
“I had no idea it had been so late. I got leave to run down and see you for a few minutes, mother, and ought to have been back again by this time.”
Harry instantly rose.
“I hope that I have not detained you; but if you will kindly, as your mother proposes, show me the Miss Pembertons’ house, I shall be grateful to you.”
May replied that she should be happy to do so, and Harry wishing the fisherman and his wife good-bye, went to look for the boy who had charge of his horse. May, stopping to say a few words to the dame, came out by the time he had returned to the door of the cottage.
Harry, instead of mounting, taking the rein in his hand, walked by her side.
The subject of their conversation might seem commonplace, though perhaps it was interesting to themselves. Harry was at length led to speak of some of his adventures at sea, from a question May had asked him, and on mentioning one of the battles in which he was engaged, he was surprised to find that his companion was thoroughly well acquainted with the details as well as with all the events which had lately taken place. During the walk Harry could not accuse himself of having said anything which could have been construed into making love to the fisherman’s fair daughter.
On reaching Downside May went into the house to send for the gardener to hold his horse, and to announce his visit. The two ladies came to the door to welcome him.
“I should have known you by your voice,” said Miss Mary, taking his hand, “though you have grown from a boy into a man since we met you last. But there is something I discern in a voice which never alters: yours is the tone I like to hear.”
“We must not flatter Harry, and I do not do it,” observed Miss Jane. “I see the same expression in his countenance which won my regard when he was a midshipman. You recollect him, May, do you not?”