IX


As they returned from church, a horseman was seen riding rapidly towards
them. It was Captain Hibbert. The movement of his shoulders, as he
reined in his mettlesome bay, was picturesque, and he was coaxingly and
gushingly upbraided for neglect of his religious duties.

During lunch, curiosity rendered May and Mrs. Gould nearly speechless;
but their carriage had not turned into the highroad, on its way home,
when the latter melted into a shower of laudatory words and phrases:

'What a charming man Captain Hibbert is! No wonder you young ladies like
the military. He is so good-looking--and such good manners. Don't you
think so, Alice dear?'

'I think the Captain a very handsome man--indeed, I believe that there
are not two opinions on the subject.'

'And Olive--I do not remember that I ever saw a more beautiful girl.
Such hair! and her figure so sylph-like! I do not know what the young
ladies will do--she will cut everybody out at the Castle!'

'I don't know about that,' said May jauntily; 'what one man will turn
his nose up at, another will go wild after.'

Mrs. Gould did not answer; but her lips twitched, and Alice guessed she
was annoyed that May could not express herself less emphatically. In a
few moments the conversation was continued: