"Still, he was correct.

I don't mind admitting that I looked forward to your visit with apprehension, but I now fancy you will not jar upon me so much as I expected." The stranger glanced at Miss Townshead, who, though she wished to, could not quite check a smile.

He was very young, and had a pleasant face.

"That was very kind of you," he said.

"Now, I think the least that I can do is to retire to the barn or stable.