Mr. Conroy was at Heron Dyke betimes on the morning after the visit to the wreck. He was anxious to hear that Ella had suffered in no way from her adventure: at least, that was what he told Mrs. Toynbee, for Miss Winter was not yet downstairs when he reached the Hall; but there may have been some other motive in his mind of which he did not choose to speak. What a glad light leapt into Ella's eyes when she walked into the room and saw who was there! Conroy's earnest face brightened as if with a sudden burst of sunshine, while he took her hand for a moment and inquired after her health. Truth to tell, Ella had a slight headache this morning, but not for worlds would she have owned to it. They sat and talked about the gale and other matters, but never alluded to the adventure on the wreck, Mrs. Toynbee interposing one of her little commonplaces now and again; and so the time wore on till luncheon. "Won't you go out for a short walk with me, Miss Winter?" asked Conroy, as they rose from the meal. "You have no idea how delightful the park is after last night's rain." "Delightful!" exclaimed Mrs. Toynbee. "Why, the footpaths must be in a complete puddle." "So they are, madam. But, none the less, I maintain that the park this morning is delightful." "And there's still enough wind to almost carry you away; and the rain may recommence at any moment! persisted the lady. "Those are facts it would be useless to dispute," rejoined Conroy, equably. "On such a day I am sure Miss Winter would be far better indoors." "Nay, I think it just the day to be out," said Ella, with a blush and a smile; "and I have thick boots, you know, Mrs. Toynbee. A little wind, a little sunshine, and the possibility of a shower: what more could any reasonable creature wish for? Mr. Conroy, I shall be ready in three minutes." Mrs. Toynbee shrugged her shoulders in mild protest, but she said no more. The paths in the park were certainly very sloppy, and the wind when they faced it almost took away their breath; but what cared those two for such trifles? they but served to enhance the charms of their walk. Conroy took a turning that led to the shore. "Not that way, please," said Ella, with a slight shudder. She did not care to look upon the sea again at present; so they turned their faces another way, finding a dry and sheltered walk, where they were free from the impertinences of the wind, by the edge of the plantation of young larches which covered a piece of rising ground to the left of the Hall. Here they paced backwards and forwards for upwards of an hour.