Now it had fallen to his feet, and he did not scruple to tell himself that it was his, and always might have been his as a matter of course.

Well, the apple had come of a good kind, and, though there might be specks upon it, though it might not be fit for any special glory of show or pride of place among the dessert service, still it should be garnered and used, and no doubt would be a very good apple for eating.

Having so concluded, Captain Aylmer returned to the house, washed his hands, changed his boots, and went down to the drawing-room just as dinner was ready.

She came up to him almost radiant with joy, and put her hand upon his arm.

"Martha did not know but what you were here," she said, "and told them to put dinner on the table." "I hope I have not kept you waiting." "Oh, dear, no.