"Now Swann is ill I can't always get away when I wish," he said, easily.
"I'll just drop in when I can. Good day."
He opened the door and, fearful lest the other should alter his mind at
the last moment, walked briskly down the path to the gate. The captain
stood for some time after his departure deep in thought, and then
returned to the garden to be skilfully catechized by Miss Nugent.
"And when my young friend comes with his pipe you'll be in another room,"
he concluded, warningly.
Miss Nugent looked up and patted his cheek tenderly. "What a talent for
organization you have," she remarked, softly. "A place for everything
and everything in its place. The idea of his taking such a fancy to
you!"
The captain coughed and eyed her suspiciously. He had been careful not
to tell her Hardy's reasons for coming, but he had a shrewd idea that his
caution was wasted.
"Today is Thursday," said Kate, slowly; "he will be here to-morrow and
Saturday. What shall I wear?"
The captain resumed his gardening operations by no means perturbed at the
prophecy. Much as he disliked the young man he gave him credit for a
certain amount of decency, and his indignation was proportionately great
the following evening when Bella announced Mr.
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