The next day came, and proved ideal for motoring. A bright blue sky, and very little wind. Mrs. Wharnecliffe called for Gentian at ten o'clock. They sped swiftly along and were both rather silent at first. Then Gentian began to talk. "Do you think it would be impossible for me to live with Cousin Thor and keep his house for him? He would look after me so very well. You don't seem to like the idea of my living alone, and I do want a home. I've always had one. It's all very well being with the Miss Buchans for a time, but I shan't be able to keep on doing it for ever. I cry over it when I'm in bed at night. I never felt lonely when Waddy was alive. I knew she would never leave me, but I'm desperately lonely now." "My poor child!" said Mrs. Wharnecliffe, laying her hand softly on the girl's arm. "I was hoping you were settling down happily. You have your riding to interest you, and it is a busy, useful life for you." "Tell me, if Cousin Thor takes this house, couldn't I live with him in it? I should love to look after him; he never looks after himself." "No; I don't think that plan would work at all," said Mrs. Wharnecliffe decidedly. "He has never expressed a wish to have you, has he?" "Oh, no. I would go like a shot if he did." Gentian gave a sigh, then brightened up. "Shall I sound him on the subject, or will you?" "Thorold has been too long a bachelor to like a woman in his house. She would embarrass him and be in his way. I tried for a long time to get him a lady housekeeper, but he would not have it." "I dare say," said Gentian gloomily, "that this Miss Muir will marry him. I don't think he is a bit too old to be married. And a wife would soon get him out of his old-fashioned bachelor ways." Mrs. Wharnecliffe could not help laughing. Gentian still talked at times like a child. She turned the conversation to other subjects, and Thorold was not mentioned again. They arrived at Launceston about two o'clock, and had lunch at an hotel there. It was between four and five when they reached their destination. Gentian was charmed with the village in a wooded valley that ran down to the sea. They heard the thunder and roar of the surf breaking over the rocks before they came in sight of it. The church was perched on a hill, and they turned, up a steep lane to get to the Rectory which was close to it. Just as they came up to a big iron gate set in the middle of two granite walls, Thorold himself appeared. "I've been looking for you for the last hour," he said: "have you had lunch?" "Yes, at Launceston. We've seen no sign of the inn, so came on to ask you where it was." "It isn't in the village, which is good, for you will be quieter away from the fisher-folk. It is five minutes' drive from here on the high road which leads across the moor." "Come in, and we'll drive on together." Thorold slipped into the front seat by the chauffeur, then he looked back at Gentian and smiled at her. "How do you like Cornwall?"