He received a severe lecture for not attending church, which seemed to surprise him a good deal, especially as his absence was attributed by Meldon to shame and a consciousness of guilt, feelings from which Simpkins had never in his life suffered.

Then--and this seemed to astonish him still more--he was warmly invited to go for a day's yachting in the _Spindrift_.
"I didn't hear," he said doubtfully, "that Major Kent was going away." "He isn't," said Meldon.

"Don't I tell you he's giving a picnic in his yacht ?" "Are you sure he wants me ?" "Certain.

He sent you an invitation, which is a plain proof that he wants you.

He would have delivered it himself, only that Miss King caught him after church and carried him off to luncheon.