Digby sprang to her, and Paul groaned inwardly as he marked the fervour of the young man’s greeting, albeit he found comfort in noting the girl’s cool reception of, and most inadequate response to, the same; for she withdrew her hand from the devout clasp that held it, so soon as the orthodox number of moments to be devoted to that ceremony was ended. Nor did her eyes rest upon his face longer than the one direct look—of Hazel’s peculiar directness—that kindly interest and innate courtesy alike dictated. "Why didn’t you bring some one with you?" she asked, somewhat severely. "It is not very polite to oblige Mr. Charteris to stand in the sun." "There was the luggage," faltered Digby. "There was not much room, you know." He glanced sheepishly at Paul, but there was understanding without sympathy to be read in Paul’s countenance; and young Travers inwardly dubbed this old acquaintance and near neighbour of the Le Mesuriers, hard and callous of disposition. "Well, I’ll hold the horse," Hazel said, descending the steps and taking the bridle from Paul’s hand, "and perhaps you two would not mind lifting up the trunk. It is not so heavy as it looks." This matter dexterously accomplished, Digby Travers got to his seat again, expecting Paul to help Hazel to her allotted place, frankly eager to be gone. He was somewhat taken aback when the girl, who had disappeared for the space of a few moments, returned with an enormous umbrella of sombre green hue, which she opened with some difficulty, and proffered to him with both hands, gravely matter-of-fact. "I shall not be long," she announced, "but I want to see mother again before we start, and—and I did not know Mr. Charteris had called. You don’t mind, do you?" she added, "It is rather heavy, but the stick is so tall that you can rest the handle on the seat beside you if you take your hat off, and, though ugly, it casts a cool and restful light." So saying she re-entered the house, followed by Paul, leaving poor Digby disconsolate beneath an extensive shade; so extensive, indeed, that though noonday was approaching and the sun was high in the heavens, the quadruped also enjoyed the benefit of it, over its hind quarters, well to its middle. "Have you been here long?" Hazel asked of her companion, as the two paused in the hall, at the foot of the stairway.