West stepped carelessly forth from the concealment of the vines, watchful for any change of expression on the face of the other.

There was none, not even a look of surprise, or a tightening of the lip.
"Ah! Captain," he said easily, tossing his stub aside, and drawing forth his case for another.

"Glorious air this morning; the advantage of early rising; you indulge, I presume ?" "An army habit, I mean to do away with later.Thanks.I suppose breakfast is not ready ?" "Hardly yet," glancing about inquiringly.

"My niece is usually out here at this hour, which accounts for my venturing forth.

She is not here ?" "Not now, although there are evidences that she has been," indicating the gloves and pruning shears visible beside the walk.