Mrs. Yeoman, the housekeeper, was surprised not to see Captain Bruce; he was seldom away from Picton. He explained in answer to her question that the Captain had remained on the _Sea-mew_ to see to some repairs in the engineers' department. This only half satisfied her; she knew McTavish was a capable man and could look after repairs himself. She had a very kindly feeling toward Jack McTavish, who sometimes came to Haverton and was not at all averse to a mild flirtation with the buxom, comely widow. When she saw Blackett she asked him what he thought about it. "Why hasn't the Captain come with him? It's all moonshine his staying on the _Sea-mew_ to see to repairs in the engine room. Mac's quite good enough for that job," she said. "It's none of your business, anyway," said Brant; "and as for McTavish, you're prejudiced in his favor--I shouldn't wonder if you aren't Sarah McTavish some day." "Nonsense, Brant! I've had one dose of married life; I don't want to try it again," she said. "Give the poor man a chance; he's only one thing against him," said the trainer. "And pray what's that?" she asked. "His name." "Jack McTavish. I reckon it's the equal of Brant Blackett, anyway," she said. He laughed as he answered: "You're always a bit touchy where the McTavish is concerned. I wish you luck with him, Sarah. We'll see you a Highland chieftainess before many months are passed. I'll put myself in training and dance a reel after the ceremony's over." "You're old enough to know better, and you ought to have more sense," she snapped, and walked away. Picton had been at Haverton a week and still Captain Ben did not come. He was anxious, but knew he could do no good if he went to the yacht; he was better away. He rode several of the horses at work to keep himself occupied, and was constantly roaming about the estate. He felt lonely; he missed Ben sadly; he was such excellent company. Haverton was a large mansion situated in one of the most beautiful districts in Yorkshire. The mansion had an aspect of gentility, and its various forms of architecture made it doubly interesting. The strong tower on the North East dated from Plantagenet times, and was a fine example of those peel towers on the border, of which the most southern are in the north of Yorkshire. The west side was in the Tudor times, showing the domestic architecture of the period. The two towers were commanding features of the fine old mansion. The gardens were lovely old-world places; clipped yews and flower beds intermingled on the south terrace The entrance was imposing and the gates were always open, as though the visitors were expected; the hospitality of Haverton was proverbial, even in such a county as Yorkshire.