He had determined, as he came on to Nuncombe Putney, that he would not be shame-faced about his visit to Mrs.Trevelyan.It is possible that he was not so keen in the matter as he had been when he planned his journey in London; and, it may be, that he really tried to make himself believe that he had come all the way to the confines of Dartmoor to see the porch of Cockchaffington Church.

The session in London was over, and it was necessary for such a man as Colonel Osborne that he should do something with himself before he went down to the Scotch grouse.

He had long desired to see something of the most picturesque county in England; and now, as he sat eating his breakfast in Mrs.Crocket's parlour, he almost looked upon his dear Emily as a subsidiary attraction.

"Oh, that's the Clock House," he said to Mrs.Crocket.

"No, I have not the pleasure of knowing Mrs.Stanbury; very respectable lady, so I have heard; widow of a clergyman; ah, yes; son up in London; I know him;--always writing books is he?
Very clever, I dare say.