and should be
more highly encouraged. Therefore she could not express at the moment
her gratitude to Squire Popplewell; but as soon as she heard of his
generosity, it lifted a great weight off her mind, and enabled her to
think about furnishing a cottage. But she never told even her mother of
that. Perhaps Robin might have seen some one he liked better. Perhaps he
might have heard that stupid story about her having taken up with poor
Harry Tanfield; and that might have driven him to wed a foreign lady,
and therefore to fight so desperately. None, however, of these perhapses
went very deeply into her heart, which was equally trusting and trusty.

Now some of her confidence in the future was justified that very moment
almost, by a sudden and great arrival, not of Jack Anerley and Robin
Lyth (who were known to be coming home together), but of a gentleman
whose skill and activity deserved all thanks for every good thing that
had happened.

"Well! I am in the very nick of time. It is my nature," cried Mr.
Mordacks, seated in the best chair by the fire. "Why? you inquire, with
your native penetration. Simply because in very early days I acquired
the habit of punctuality. This holding good where an appointment is,
holds good afterward, from the force of habit, in matters that are of
luck alone. The needle-eye of time gets accustomed to be hit, and
turns itself up, without waiting for the clew. Wonderful Madeira! Well,
Captain Anerley, no wonder that you have discouraged free trade with
your cellars full of this! It is twenty years since I have tasted such
wine. Mistress Anerley, I have the honor of quaffing this glass to
your very best health, and that of a very charming young lady, who has
hitherto failed to appreciate me."

"Then, sir, I am here to beg your pardon," said Mary, coming up, with
a beautiful blush. "When I saw you first I did not enter into
your--your--"

"My outspoken manner and short business style. But I hope that you have
come to like me better. All good persons do, when they come to know me."

"Yes, sir; I was quite ashamed of myself, when I came to learn all that
you have done for somebody, and your wonderful kindness at Bridlington."

"Famously said! You inherit from your mother the power and the charm of
expression. And now, my dear lady, good Mistress Anerley, I shall undo
all my great merits by showing that I am like the letter-writers, who
never write until they have need of something. Captain