By this time Donald and Bess had recovered their tempers, and after a close inspection of the intruder had come to the conclusion that he was of the right sort, and Donald was sitting close on his launches beside Stafford, and thrusting his nose against Stafford's hand invitingly.
The girl's beauty seemed to Stafford almost bewildering, and yet softly and sweetly a part of the beauty of the night; he was conscious of a fear, that was actually a dread, that she would bow, call the dogs and leave him; so, before she could do so, he made haste to say: "Now I am here, will you allow me to apologise for my trespass of this afternoon ?" She inclined her head slightly.
"It does not matter," she said; "you were very kind in helping me with the lamb; and I ought to have told you that my father would be very glad if you would fish in the Heron; you will find some better trout higher up the valley." "Thank you very much," said Stafford.
Calling the dogs, she turned away; then, fortunately, Stafford remembered the case of instruments.
"Oh, I beg your pardon!" he said; "I forgot this wallet.

I found it by the stream after you had gone." "Oh, my wallet!" she cried.

"I am so glad you have found it.

I don't know what I should have done if you had not; I should have had to send to Preston or to London; and, besides, it was a present from the old veterinary surgeon; he left it to me.

There were some beautiful instruments in it." Still smiling, she opened it, as if to show him.