The captain and Comethup spent that first day in strolling about the neighbourhood and sitting out on the sandy hillocks beyond the town, talking--mostly of the future--and dreaming old dreams over again of the past. There seemed so much to be said in that familiar atmosphere; it seemed so easy to live over again the old days, when Comethup had known no other existence. On the day arranged for the picnic 'Linda came running into the garden just as breakfast was placed on the table; breathlessly kissed the captain, and shook hands with Comethup; announced, with a roguish shake of her head, that she would not take off her hat, as they were to start so soon; and chattered ceaselessly and happily about everything--the weather, the horses that were to take them, the road by which they should go, and a thousand other things. Comethup had ordered a capacious carriage from the inn the night before--an open carriage to hold four, with two horses. Homer--most wonderful of men--had prepared a huge luncheon basket, to the contents of which Comethup had added a couple of bottles of claret. The carriage drew up at the gate just as they had finished breakfast, and 'Linda ran out to inspect it. Comethup followed her, and stood beside her at the gate, waiting for the captain. "I'm so glad," he said, slowly, "that it's a fine day, and--and that you're so pleased." She turned round swiftly, her dark eyes dancing. "Oh, it's the first real holiday I've ever had; I couldn't sleep last night for thinking about it. But"--her brows wrinkled a little anxiously--"won't this cost--cost a lot of money?" She waved her hand toward the carriage. "No, not much," said Comethup carelessly. "Besides, it doesn't matter; we'll have a jolly day, and you know I've got plenty of money." He heard a sigh flutter from her lips, and had a boyish longing to tell her that he should like to share every penny he had, or every penny he ever would have, with her; that she might never have any fear that he would go away and leave her without a holiday. He was almost making up his mind to say that he would give her just such a holiday as this every day of his life, irrespective of weather, when the captain came down the path and joined them, followed by Homer staggering under the weight of the luncheon basket. The captain had a new tie for the occasion, and was dressed in his best; he gallantly handed 'Linda in, and she and Comethup took their places at the back of the carriage, the captain facing them. The captain was in high feather; heard the regular beat of the horses' hoofs behind him, and held himself more erect in consequence. Comethup and 'Linda sat silent, except when they answered the captain's remarks, or when 'Linda said something about the beauty of the day, or of the scenery, on which occasions Comethup eagerly and cordially indorsed her opinion.