They nodded, indeed, in answer to his bow, but neither their faces nor
their manner showed any special joy at his coming.

But that made no difference to him. They were there, and the mere sight
of the girl's fine mobile face and large dark blue eyes was a thing to
be grateful for.

"You'll be wanting your supper," said Hamon.

"At your own time, please," said the young man, looking towards Mrs.
Hamon. "I am really not very hungry"--though truth to tell he well might
have been, for the food on the brig had left much to be desired even to
one who had been a sailorman himself.

"It is our usual time," said Mrs. Hamon, "and it is all ready. Will you
please to sit there."

At the sound of the chairs a boy of fourteen came quietly in and slipped
into his seat.

His sister had gone off with a portion on a plate through the open door.

Gard was surprised to find himself hoping it was not her custom to take
her meals in private, and was relieved when she came back presently
without the plate and sat down by her brother.

"Ah, you, Bernel, as soon as you've done your supper run over and tell
Mr. Le Pelley that his white stallion is on our common, and he'd better
send for him."