As for Mary, she was almost beside herself with joy when she heard their voices from the lawn, and, rushing to the shrubbery, saw them walk up the hill, as she had seen them on that first evening nearly a year ago, when John Hammond came as a stranger to Fellside. She tried to take her joy soberly, though her eyes were dancing with delight, as she went to the porch to meet them. 'What extraordinary young men you are,' she said, as she emerged breathless from her lover's embrace. 'The idea of your descending upon us without a moment's notice. Why did you not write or telegraph, that your rooms might be ready?' 'Am I to understand that all the spare rooms at Fellside are kept as damp as at the bottom of the lake?' asked Maulevrier. 'I did not think any preparation was necessary; but we can go back if we're not wanted, can't we, Jack?' 'You darling,' cried Mary, hanging affectionately upon her brother's arm. 'You _know_ I was only joking, you _know_ how enraptured I am to have you.' 'To have _me_, only me,' said Maulevrier. 'Jack doesn't count, I suppose?' 'You know how glad I am, and that I want to hide my gladness,' answered Mary, radiant and blushing like the rich red roses in the porch. 'You men are so vain. And now come and see grandmother, she will be cheered by your arrival. She has been so good to me just lately, so sweet.' 'She might have been good and sweet to you all your life,' said Hammond. 'I am not prepared to be grateful to her at a moment's notice for any crumbs of affection she may throw you.' 'Oh but you must be grateful, sir; and you must love her and pity her,' retorted Mary. 'Think how sadly she has suffered. We cannot be too kind to her, or too fond of her, poor dear.' 'Mary is right,' said Hammond, half in jest and half in earnest. 'What wonderful instincts these young women have.' 'Come and see her ladyship; and then you must have dinner, just as you had that first evening,' said Mary. 'We'll act that first evening over again, Jack; only you can't fall in love with Lesbia, as she isn't here.' 'I don't think I surrendered that first evening, Mary. Though I thought your sister the loveliest girl I had ever seen.' 'And what did you think of me, sir? Tell me that,' said Mary. 'Shall I tell you the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?' 'Of course.' 'Then I freely confess that I did not think about you at all. You were there--a pretty, innocent, bright young maiden, with big brown eyes and auburn hair; but I thought no more about you than I did about the Gainsborough on the wall, which you very much resemble.' 'That is most humiliating,' said Mary, pouting a little in the midst of her bliss.