Then they drove up to the house, where a number of the gentry had assembled to welcome him.  After shaking hands and chatting with these for a short time, Frank went round among the tenants, saying a few words to each.  When he had done this he invited them all to a dinner on the lawn that day week, and then went into the house, where the steward had prepared a meal.

Among the familiar faces, Frank missed those he would most gladly have seen.  He had a year before received a letter from Lady Greendale, telling him of Sir John’s sudden death, and had learned from the steward during the drive that she and her daughter were in London.

“They went there a month ago,” he said.  “A year had passed after Sir John’s death, and people say that it is not likely that they will be much at home again for some time.  Lady Greendale has high connections in London, as you know, sir.”

“Yes, she was a daughter of Lord Huntinglen, Norton.”

“Yes, sir.  They always went up to town for the season; and they say Lady Greendale liked London better than the country; and now that Miss Bertha is out—­for she was presented at Court a fortnight ago—­people think they won’t be much down at Greendale for the present.”

“Has Miss Greendale grown up pretty?  I thought she would, but, of course, when I went away she was only a girl, not fully developed.”

“She is a beautiful young lady, sir.  Everyone says she is quite the belle of the county.  Folks reckon she will make a great match.  She is very well liked, too; pleasant and nice without a bit of pride about her, and very high spirited; and, I should say, full of fun, though of course the place has been pretty well shut up for the last year.  For four months after Sir John’s death they went away travelling, and were only at home for a few weeks before they went up to London the other day, in time for the first Drawing Room.”

“I suppose we shall not see much of you for a time, Mallett?” one of his friends said, as they sat at luncheon.

“No, I don’t suppose I shall be able to settle down for a bit.  After the life I have led, I am afraid that I shall find the time hang heavily on my hands, alone here.”

“You must bring home a wife, Major Mallett,” one of the ladies said.

“That is looking quite into the dim future, Mrs. Herbert,” he laughed.  “You see, since I first went on active service I have been removed altogether from feminine attractions.  Of course I have been thinking it over, but for the present my inclination turns towards yachting.  I have always been fond of the water, and had a strong wish to go to sea when I was a boy, but that aspiration was not encouraged.  However, I can follow my bent now.  Norton has been piling up money for me in my absence, and I can afford myself the luxury of a big yacht.  Of course I shall be in no hurry about it.  I shall either build or buy a biggish craft, for racing in summer, and cruising in winter.”