sparkle of the waters of the Fjord, the refreshing breeze, the
perfume of the flowers, and the satisfied impression left on his
mind by recent tea and toast--all these things combined had a
soothing effect on Mr. Dyceworthy, and with a sigh of absolute
comfort he settled his large person in a deep easy chair and
composed himself for pious meditation.

He meditated long,--with fast-closed eyes and open mouth, while the
earnestness of his inward thoughts was clearly demonstrated now and
then by an irrepressible,--almost triumphant,--cornet-blast from
that trifling elevation of his countenance called by courtesy a
nose, when his blissful reverie was suddenly broken in upon by the
sound of several footsteps crunching slowly along the garden path,
and, starting up from his chair, he perceived four individuals clad
in white flannel costumes and wearing light straw hats trimmed with
fluttering blue ribbons, who were leisurely sauntering up to his
door, and stopping occasionally to admire the flowers on their way.
Mr. Dyceworthy's face reddened visibly with excitement.

"The gentlemen from the yacht," he murmured to himself, hastily
settling his collar and cravat, and pushing up his cherubic wings of
hair more prominently behind his ears. "I never thought they would
come. Dear me! Sir Philip Errington himself, too! I must have
refreshments instantly."

And he hurried from the room, calling his orders to Ulrika as he
went, and before the visitors had time to ring, he had thrown open
the door to them himself, and stood smiling urbanely on the
threshold, welcoming them with enthusiasm,--and assuring Sir Philip
especially how much honored he felt, by his thus visiting,