But then that ship, and the curious sense of Lucia's nearness which he had felt when they passed it; she must have been on board! He felt as if he should go mad when he came to his father's gate and saw all looking just as usual, quite calm and peaceful under the broad wintry sunshine.

He had only just sense enough at the very last minute to remember that his father was an invalid to whom the joy of his coming might be a dangerous shock.

As he thought of this he turned round the corner of the house, and in a moment walked into the kitchen where Mrs.George, the old housekeeper, was busy washing up the breakfast-things.
"Law, Mr.Maurice!" cried Mrs.George, and dropped her teacup and her cloth together--happily both on the table.
Coming into the familiar room, and seeing the familiar face, brought the young man a little to himself.

He held his impatience in check while he received Mrs.George's welcome, answered her questions, and asked some in return.

Then he sent her in to tell his father of his arrival, and began to walk up and down the kitchen while she was away.
In a minute or two she came out of the sitting-room, and he went in.