Marvelling who he could be, and reproaching herself for not questioning
Fenwolf on the subject, Mabel resolved to repair the error when the
skiff was brought back. But the opportunity did not speedily occur.
Hours flew by, the shades of evening drew on, but neither Fenwolf nor
the stranger returned.
Soon after dusk her grandfather came home. He did not express the
least astonishment at Fenwolf's prolonged absence, but said that he
was sure to be back in the course of the evening, and the skiff was not
wanted.
"He will bring us a fine jack or a carp for dinner to-morrow, I'll warrant
me," he said. "If he had returned in time we might have had fish for
supper. No matter. I must make shift with the mutton pie and a rasher
of bacon. Morgan did not mention the name of his companion, you
say?"
"He did not," replied Mabel; "but I hope he will bring him with him. He is
the goodliest gentleman I ever beheld."
"What! a goodlier gentleman than the king!" cried Tristram.
"Nay, they should not be compared," replied Mabel: "the one is stout
and burly; the other slight, long-visaged, and pale, but handsome
withal--very handsome."
Well, I daresay I shall see him anon," said Tristram.
Pages:
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186