The voice was deep and full, as of one accustomed to giving orders rather than receiving them. Miss Stirling stopped, stared--and, then, went swiftly in pursuit. Parkington watched her in surprise. "Mr. Marbury!" she called. "Mr. Marbury!" The tall figure, in osnaburg breeches and shirt, heavy shoes and coarse worsted stockings, swung around, and laughed. "I trust you are well, Miss Stirling," he said--"Oh," as she began to explain for Sir Edward--"it is not the first time I have been taken for one of my own servants, and besides I come by it honestly. The feathers made the birds, Miss.--Sir Edward Parkington, I presume; I have heard my son speak of you," and he held out a hand that bore all the evidences of toil and hardship, and that was, distinctly, not the hand of a gentleman. "I am delighted to meet you, Mr. Marbury," said Parkington. "This is---- "But you did not expect to meet me in such clothes, hey?" with a quiet little chuckle. "Well, you see, I'm more at home in them. You were saying that this is----" "A magnificent place--quite the finest I have seen in America." It was a particular happy speech. Next to his son and daughter, Hedgely Hall was his pride. "That it is, sir, that it is!" he exclaimed. "There is none finer to the Northward, and few to the Southward--except it be Westover, or Shirley, and one or two in South Carolina--at least, so my ship captains tell me; I have never seen them for myself. It will be a fine estate for George--Marbury of Hedgely Hall is better than a Marbury of Frederick-Town. Make yourself at home, sir, make yourself at home. Supper is at seven o'clock. I must get out of these clothes before then--the family doesn't like 'em. I will send your stick after you, sir." "I beg of you, Mr. Marbury, not to bother!" Parkington exclaimed. "It can wait until----" But a wave of the hand was the only answer, as he passed out of hearing up the avenue. The other looked after him thoughtfully. "So, that is Marbury, the elder!" he said. "I think I want to see more of him--a very interesting character." He turned to Miss Stirling, and swept her his most profound bow. "Your pardon, mademoiselle! Shall we continue the walk?" VI THE MISTAKE At supper, that evening, every one sat where he wished. They went in without regard to precedence, and Sir Edward found himself between Miss Tyler and Miss Marbury, the latter taking the place of her mother, who was indisposed.