‘No, certainly not,’ he answered roughly, ‘and, from all I have heard of him, I never wish to know him. Let us drop the subject. But you will understand better now my anxiety to marry Alice Leyton. Nothing could contribute more to the healing of this mental wound than the constant presence of a woman who loves me. The sunshine she will bring with her will chase the last shadow away.’ ‘It is terrible to hear you talk of “shadows” at your age, Vernon,’ replied Mrs Blythe, wiping her eyes. ‘Nonsense!’ he cried lightly, as he sprang from his chair; ‘we all have them, more or less. My lot is no worse than that of other men. If you treat my confidence in this serious strain, I shall never give you another.’ ‘No, don’t say that, my boy,’ replied his mother. ‘I love you for having spoken to me as you have, and from this day I will never open my lips upon the matter.’ ‘That’s right,’ said Vernon, as he kissed her. ‘And now I’m going down to the beach to have a look at the _Water Witch_, that is anchored against the pier. I’ll be back to supper,’ and, with his pipe in his mouth, and a forced smile upon his lips, he left her to herself. Having thoughtfully traversed the common that lay between them and the sea, Vernon Blythe sat down on a bench just opposite where the yacht was anchored, and surveyed her carefully. She certainly was a very pretty little craft. Her narrow black hull, with its golden stripe, and her tapering mast so gracefully raked, showed she was built for speed and fine-weather sailing, and the very sight of her made Blythe wish that he could retract his promise to the shipowner. ‘Guess who it is!’ cried a merry voice behind him, as a pair of hands were laid upon his eyes. ‘It’s Alice, and you may belay that,’ replied Vernon, in the same tone. ‘You, have nearly pulled my moustaches out by the roots, and blinded me with my own tobacco ash. Be sensible for once if you can, and come round and sit down on the bench beside me.’