Book 2--CHAPTER THREE. A SURPRISE. Late that night, Mr Starling returned home. He was a heavily built, rather dull looking man. He was a gentleman living on his private means, and as these means were small, and he was far too lazy to add to them, the young Starlings had to do without the good things of life. His house was decidedly ramshackle; his grounds neglected; his stables in shocking disorder, and his one groom and factotum, Jim, sadly overworked. Nevertheless, Edward Starling managed on the whole to enjoy life. He was fond of golf, and spent nearly all his time over this fascinating and absorbing amusement. Had Robina been willing to take up golf, he would scarcely have induced himself to send her to school; but as it was, he did so for the sake of peace of mind. Robina was troublesome at home. She was too large and strong and determined for the invalid mother, and she was always rubbing the excellent, indefatigable aunt the wrong way. Mr Starling was, however, fond of Robina. He liked her bold, free, frank manners. He enjoyed her little tiffs with Aunt Felicia, and rather encouraged them than otherwise, and the very first thing he asked now when he entered the house was if his daughter had returned. "Yes;" said Miss Jennings, who made it an invariable rule to sit up for her brother-in-law, however late he returned home. "Yes," she said, yawning, "Oh, dear me, Edward! Don't leave that muddy mark in the hall; I have such trouble getting those flags kept in order: and oh--_don't put_ your pipe down there! I can't endure the smell of smoke. I am very sorry that I am so sensitive, but neither I nor my dear sister can abide tobacco." Mr Starling slipped the pipe back into his pocket. "There!" said his sister-in-law, springing up. "It isn't properly out, and will burn a hole, and then I shall have the trouble of mending it. You _won't_ consider things, Edward. You are so thoughtless. Oh, I am the very last person to complain, but what was I saying?" "Talking about Robina. Is she home?" "Home?" said Miss Jennings. "Yes; thank goodness, hours ago, and in bed and asleep." "I can't take a peep at her, I suppose? How is the young monkey looking?" "Whatever you do, Edward--don't disturb her! She is such a queer, excitable creature." "She is well, I suppose?" "Yes; that is--her body is; I am by no means sure about her mind." "Her mind?" said Starling. "Has anything gone wrong with that?"