uite sure
that it would all come right." He did mean about the money, and
was evidently uneasy in his mind when the suggested step was made
manifest to him. Gertrude was astonished to see how long and
melancholy his face could become. "Papa was never unkind about money
in his life," said Gertrude. "He could not endure to have any of us
poor."

On the next Saturday Sir Thomas again came down, and still found his
guest at Merle Park. We are now a little in advance of our special
story, which is, or ought to be, devoted to Ayala. But, with the
affairs of so many lovers and their loves, it is almost impossible to
make the chronicle run at equal periods throughout. It was now more
than three weeks since Ayala went to Stalham, and Lady Albury had
written to the Captain confessing something of her sin, and begging
to be forgiven. This she had done in her anxiety to keep the Captain
away. He had not answered his sister-in-law's letter, but, in his
present frame of mind, was not at all anxious to finish up the
hunting-season at Stalham. Sir Thomas, on his arrival, was very full
of Tom's projected tour. He had arranged everything,--except in
regard to Tom's own assent. He had written to New York, and had
received back a reply from his correspondent assuring him that Tom
should be made most heartily welcome. It might be that Tom's fighting
propensities had not been made known to the people of New York. Sir
Thomas had taken a berth on board of one of the Cunard boats, and had
even gone so far as to ask the Captain to come down for a day or two
to Merle Park. He was so much employed with Tom that he could hardly
afford time and consideration to Captain Batsby and his affairs.
Nevertheless he did ask a question, and received an answer with which
he seemed to be satisfied. "What on earth is that man staying here
for?" he said to his wife.

"He is going on Friday," replied Lady Tringle, doubtingly;--almost
as though she thought that she would be subjected to further anger
because of this delay. But Sir Thomas dropped the subject, and passed
on to some matter affecting Tom's outfit. Lady Tringle was very
glad to change the subject, and promised that everything should be
supplied befitting the hottest and coldest climates on the earth's
surface.

"She sails on the nineteenth of April," said Sir Thomas to his son.

"I don't think I could go as soon as that, Sir," replied Tom,
whining.

"Why not? There are more than three weeks yet