Accordingly, next morning, instead of sending him a message that she was ready, she walked along to the cottage, accoutred for a thorough stiff day’s work. The outer door was open, so she entered without ceremony; and then tapped at the door of the little parlour, which she proceeded to open also. She then found that Ronald was not alone; there was a young man sitting there, who instantly rose as she made her appearance. She had but a momentary glimpse of him, but she came to the conclusion that the gamekeepers in this part of the world were a good-looking race, for this was a strongly-built young fellow, keen and active, apparently, with a rather pink and white complexion, closely-cropped head, bright yellow moustache, and singularly clear blue eyes. He wore a plain tweed suit; and as he rose he picked up a billycock hat that was lying on the table.
’I’ll see you to-night, Ronald,’ said he, ’I’m going off by the mail again to-morrow.’
And as he passed by Miss Carry, he said, very modestly and respectfully—
’Thank you,’ said she, most civilly, for he seemed a well-mannered young man, as he slightly bowed to her in passing, and made his way out.
Ronald had everything ready for the start.
’I’m feared they’ll be laughing at us for trying the river on so clear a day,’ said he, as he put his big fly-book in his pocket. ’And there’s been no rain to let the fish get up.’
’Oh I don’t mind about that,’ said she, as he held the door open, and she went out, ’it will be more interesting than the lake. However, I’ve nothing to say against the lake fishing, for it has done such wonders for my father. I have not seen him so well for years. Whether it is the quiet life, or the mountain air, I don’t know, but he sleeps perfectly, and he has entirely given up the bromide of potassium. I do hope he will take the shooting and come back in the autumn.’
’His lordship was saying there were two other gentlemen after it,’ remarked Ronald significantly.
’His lordship—that was in the house the now when ye came in.’
’Was that Lord Ailine?’ she said—and she almost paused in their walk along the road.
’You don’t say! Why, how did he come here?’
’Well, I declare! I thought he would have come with a coach and outriders—in state, you know——’