"Oh, yes! I will pay him a little visit; in fact, I have nothing else to do for the next hour, for I promised Mary that I would not go wandering round in soft spots to-day." Miles opened the door of the kitchen and ushered the visitor in.
Mrs.Burton was making a batch of bread, and had to limit her welcome to cheery words and smiles; but the twins immediately claimed him as an old friend, rushing upon him with a freedom from shyness which was surprising, until one knew that they were never troubled with that complaint at home.
"Father, Mr.Selincourt has come to see you.

He is the new owner of the fleet, you know," Mrs.Burton said, speaking in raised tones to a tall, worn man who sat in the sunshine by the open door, and smiled serenely at the pleasant world outside.
'Duke Radford was not deaf, but they always raised their voices when speaking to him, in order to attract his attention.

He seemed to live in a world apart, and it was only by touching him or shouting that he could be brought back to the realities of life.
At the sound of his daughter's voice he looked round, and, seeing a stranger in the room, at once rose and came forward with outstretched hand.

"I am very glad to see you, sir," he said, in courteous greeting.
Mr.Selincourt was so surprised that he could not hide it.

He had expected to see a miserable-looking invalid, with imbecile writ large all over him; instead of whom he was confronted by a dignified, courteous gentleman, whose infirmity was only hinted at by a certain languor of movement and wistfulness of expression.
"I am glad to see you looking so much better than I expected to find you," Mr.Selincourt said, taking the proffered hand and shaking it warmly.
"Yes, I am getting stronger.