Leo and some other friends were expected for shooting.

Our neighbours' houses as well as ours were filling with visitors, and though I fancied myself a disappointed man, I found my spirits rising daily.
My aunt and Maria arrived first: Polly was visiting elsewhere, and was to join them in a day or two.

I was glad to have ladies in the house again, and after dinner I strolled about the grounds with Maria.

She was looking delicate, but it improved her appearance, and she quite pleased me by the interest she seemed to take in the place.

But I had seen more of Maria during a visit I paid to London two months before than usual, and had been quite surprised to find her so well versed in Dacrefield matters.
"It's uncommonly pleasant having you here," said I, as we leaned over a low wall in the garden.