evor's letter was sent off by one of the grooms by eight o'clock; for,
accustomed to late watches and short nights at sea, the master of
Penreife was down betimes, eagerly inspecting his stables and horses,
and ending by making inquiries for Humphrey Lloyd, to find that he was
away somewhere or another to look after the game.

Donning a wideawake, and looking about as unlike a naval officer as
could be, he summoned the butler, to name half-past nine as the
breakfast hour, and then, with little Polly watching him from one of the
windows, he strode off across the lawn.

Polly sighed as she looked after him, and then she started, for a couple
of hands were laid upon her shoulder, and turning hastily, it was to
confront Mrs Lloyd, whose harsh countenance wore quite a smile as she
gazed fixedly in the girl's blushing face, and then kissed her on the
forehead.

"He's a fine, handsome-looking man, isn't he, child?" said the
housekeeper. "Don't you think so?"

"Yes, aunt," said the girl, naively; "I was thinking so as I saw him go
across the lawn."

Which was the simple truth, though, all the same, Miss Polly had been
comparing him, somewhat to his disadvantage, with Humphrey.

"Good girl," said Mrs Lloyd. "You must get yourself a silk dress,
child--a nice light one."

"Thank you, aunt," said the girl, flushing with pleasure.

"Yes, he's a fine young fellow, and as good and noble as he is high."

"I'm sure he must be, aunt," said the girl. "He spoke so nicely to me."

"When?--where?" said Mrs Lloyd, eagerly.

"Yesterday, aunt, when I took in that silver cup."

"Ah?" said Mrs Lloyd. "Yes, she'll be a lucky girl who wins him."

"Yes, that she will, aunt," said the girl, enthusiastically. "He's very
rich, isn't he?"

"Very, my dear; and his wife will be the finest lady in the county, with
dresses, and carriages, and parties, and a town-house, I daresay."

"I hope he'll marry some one who loves him very much," said the girl,
simply.

"Of course he will, child. Why, any girl could love him. She ought to
jump at the chance of having such a man. And now I must go, child. I
was rather cross to you last night. I was worried with the
preparations, and it did not look well for me to come and see that
fellow with his hands through the window; but that won't happen again.
A little flirting's all very well for once in a girl's life, but there
must be no more of it, and I know I shan't have to speak any more."