"And not pining after her handsome cousin?" with a gay smile. "Handsome! Do you too think him handsome?" "Yes. But who else thinks him good-looking?" with a still brighter smile. "Miss Midharst says he is one of the handsomest men she ever saw." "Upon my word I am inclined to believe with her." This was accompanied by the brightest smile of all. "It is useful to know what she thinks of her cousin's appearance," thought Grey gravely. "Well, Mr. Grey, I can see nothing handsome about him. I like an Englishman to look like an Englishman; but I forgive him his looks because of his good behaviour. Nothing could have been better than his conduct from first to last. He makes Miss Midharst stay here; he promises to do up the Castle and grounds; and last of all, Mr. Grey, he speaks of you before he goes away in words which do him credit." "Indeed!" "Yes. Nothing could have been more manly than the way he spoke his mind to Miss Midharst and myself about you the other evening, the last day you were here. I don't think he liked you at first; but he made up for that at last. Nothing could be better than what he said." "I am glad to find he does not misunderstand me." These were two useful and significant facts: that Maud thought her cousin good-looking, and that her cousin had been favourably impressed by him. "Mrs. Grant," he said, after a pause, "you said you were going to town to buy some things for yourself and Miss Midharst." "Yes." "Will you have the goodness to put this parcel in your purse? It is what you are entitled to under the will of Sir Alexander." He held out his hand to her with a bundle of notes. "I really don't want it now, Mr. Grey," she said, remembering what Sir William had told her. They had already reached the Ferry-slip. He held out his hand to her. She held out the notes to him. He smiled, shook his head, shrugged his shoulders, and said: "Give me your hand only. I want to help you into the boat. Put that bundle in your pocket. I hope you do not think I want it." He handed her into the boat, raised his hat, and, when the ferryman had pulled a dozen strokes from the slip, raised his hat again and turned towards the Castle. As he walked he thought: "That is not the worst investment I ever made. Prompt payment and attention go a long way with women who are no longer young. Now for a woman who is young and charming." "What an agreeable man Sir William is!" said Grey, when he had been some time seated with Maud. "So affable, good-natured, and amusing. He is one of the most pleasant young men I ever met." "I am glad you like him," said Maud, a little surprised.