"Then," said she, boldly, "why should we separate? Come in and dine with us. Give up your book, and let two frivolous creatures talk to you. We will allow you to go away at ten; and it will be a clear starlight night—you will have no difficulty in finding your way round to the Camus Bheag. Now, will you?" "Indeed, I shall be most happy," said he, without an instant’s hesitation; and again Miss Stanley’s clear grey-green eyes thanked him as they could, when she had a mind. And really this proved to be a most joyous and careless evening, without an atom of restraint or reserve; the little group of friends, brought together in that far-away corner of the world, developed a very frank and informal intimacy; the time sped swiftly. Mary was in especial merry-hearted and audacious; occasionally betraying new moods of wilful petulance; and then again becoming suddenly honest, as much as to say, "No, don’t believe that of me; it was only mischief." Even Käthchen was less demurely observant than usual; she had become a little more accustomed to the flame of those coal-black eyes; moreover, the young man had a winning smile. He was no longer the proud and austere person whom she had regarded with a little anxiety and even awe. Implacable she was no longer ready to call him: surely one who could laugh in that frankly good-humoured way was not likely to prove revengeful and unforgiving? As for his being haughty and imperious, she noticed one small circumstance—that ever and again, amid this familiar and sprightly intercourse, he checked himself a little, and would address Miss Stanley with something almost of deference. It was as if he were saying, ’It is exceedingly kind of you to treat me in so very friendly a fashion; but still—still—you are the Lady Superior of Lochgarra—and I am your guest.’ And sometimes he seemed to veil his eyes a little—those burning eyes that might unawares convey too much. The lightning moments fled; ten o’clock came ere he knew. Indeed, it was half-an-hour thereafter before he chanced to look at his watch; and instantly he rose, with a quite boyish confusion on his clear, finely-cut face. "When do you go back to Heimra?" said Mary to him—the two young ladies having accompanied him out into the hall. "I hardly know," said he. "I am waiting for a rather important letter that I must answer at once." "Not to-morrow, then?" "Perhaps not." "For I have sent for the photographer," said she, "and he may be here the day after." "But I will stay over," said he; "oh, yes, certainly; I should be so pleased if I can be of the least service to you." "Oh, thank you." And then she hesitated. "To-morrow—to-morrow you will simply be waiting for the mid-day mail?" "Yes—is there anything that I can do for you in any way?" "Oh, no," she made answer, with still further hesitation. "Some day—I am going to ask you to let me have a peep at the _Sirène_. She seems such a pretty little yacht."