“I think he can hardly have got your letter. It does not sound like an answer. But he speaks of a wish to see Penarvon again, and to consult with you about the political outlook. He knows he will be welcome, from other things you have said. He will get your invitation, I dare say, before he starts. I hope he will be with us then. It is hard to be happy at Christmas--hard not to feel it a sorrowful instead of a joyful day; but it will help us to have Eustace. I am glad he will be with us.” “Does he say when he will come?” “Not exactly; he does not know when he can get away. He seems very busy; but he says he thinks he shall come by water. The roads are so very heavy after the long autumn rains.” “It may be easier and more comfortable,” said the Duke, “but I have always preferred land travelling myself. Contrary winds make water journeys too tedious at times, and I am not a lover of the sea.” “I think Eustace is. And he says he will not come if he has to take a sailing-vessel; but he thinks he can travel by one of those wonderful new boats which go by steam-power. He has been in one before. He went to Scotland so once, he told me. Last time he was here he was very full of it. He thinks there will soon be nothing else used for long voyages. It is wonderful to think how they can move through the water without sails or oars. He says in his letter he thinks he may soon have a chance of coming along the coast in one of these strange and wonderful vessels, and will be put ashore either at Plymouth or Falmouth, and come on to us from there.” “That would not be a bad plan. I myself have sometimes wished to travel by these new boats; but I hardly think I shall do so in my time. In yours they may become more common. Eustace was telling me of them himself. If I knew where he would land, I would travel down to meet him and see the ship myself.” “Ah! I wish we did know,” answered Bride, with brightening eyes; “I would go with you, papa, and see the wonderful new ship too.” The Duke was studying her face attentively. “You are pleased to think of having your cousin here again, Bride?” he asked tentatively. Her face was very sweet in its soft increase of colour, but her eyes were steady, and truthfully fearless.