"Then hang it all, I will the first moment I can get your father alone." "Bravo, brave man!" cried Neil merrily. "Ah, it's all very well for you to laugh, old fellow. You don't know how bad it is. But I say, Neil, you wouldn't mind, would you?" "My dear Tom," said Neil, clapping him warmly on the shoulder, "it seems to me something like sacrilege for a man to come here to the old home, and to want to rob us of my darling, innocent little sister; but if it is to be I do not know a man to whom I would sooner see her given than you." "Thank you," cried the young sailor warmly, and his voice sounding a little husky from the emotion he felt. "Thank you, Neil, old fellow, you seem more than ever like a big brother to me now." "Here is my father," said Neil, quickly. "Wait your opportunity, and get it over." For at that instant Mr Elthorne appeared at the door, looking the _beau-ideal_ of a tall, middle-aged country gentleman, with many years of hearty, vigorous life before him. "Morning, Beck," he cried. "Ah, Neil, my boy, glad to see you down already. Why, you ought to have had a few hours' more rest." "I'm accustomed to short and broken nights," said the young man, warmly returning the grasp of his father's hand. "How well you look, sir!" "Sorry I can't return the compliment, my boy. You look, white and careworn. Never mind; we'll soon blow the London smoke out of you. Can you manage a ride after breakfast?" "Yes, and enjoy it." "That's right. The Lydon girls are coming over, and we'll mount you on the old cob. By the way, I thought I heard Burwood's voice." "He is down the garden with Alison," said Neil. "That's right. I asked him to come over to breakfast. He is going to try my new purchase for me. But it's of no use to talk horseflesh to you. Well, my dear?" This to Isabel, who came running out, looking very innocent and girlish. "Good-morning, papa," she cried, kissing him. "I did not know you were down. Good-morning, Mr Beck," she continued shyly, as she let her hand rest in his for a moment, and then turned to her brother to kiss him affectionately. "I'm so glad you've come, dear Neil." "Let's have breakfast, Isabel. Aunt's not down, I suppose?" "Oh, yes, papa, and waiting for us." "Wonderful!" said Mr Elthorne grimly. "Run down the garden, Isabel, and fetch Alison and Sir Cheltnam in to breakfast. Will you have a cup of coffee, Beck?" he continued rather coldly. "Thank you, sir, I have breakfasted, but--" "Oh, he can manage another," said Neil laughingly. "Come along, Tom;" and then to himself: "Poor boy! It will be no, for certain." Mr Elthorne took no further notice of the young sailor, but laid his hand upon his son's shoulder and pointed to a clump of trees at the farther end of the park. "I'm going to have those down, Neil." "Pity, isn't it, sir?"