The Baron was in high hopes of seeing the fair unknown at breakfast, but it seemed she must be either breakfasting in her own room or lying long abed.
"I think I shall go out for a little constitutional," said Mr Bunker, when he had finished. "I suppose the hotel has a stronger attraction for you."
"Ach, yes, I shall remain," his friend replied. "Pairhaps I may see zem."
"I shall not propose till you return, Bonker!"
"No," said Mr Bunker to himself, "I don't think you will."
Just outside St Egbert's there is a high breezy sweep of downs, falling suddenly to a chalky seaward cliff. It overlooks the town and the undulating inland country and a great spread of shining sea; and even without a spy-glass you can see sail after sail and smoke-wreath after smoke-wreath go by all day long.
But Mr Bunker had apparently walked there for other reasons than to see the view. He did stop once or twice, but it was only to scan the downs ahead, and at the sight of a fluttering skirt he showed no interest in anything else, but made a straight line for its owner. For her part, the lady seemed to await his coming. She gathered her countenance into an expression of as perfect unconcern as a little heightening of her colour would allow her, and returned his salute with rather a distant bow. But Mr Bunker was not to be damped by this hint of barbed wire. He held out his hand and exclaimed cordially, "My dear Lady Alicia! this is charming of you!"
"Of course you understand, Mr Beveridge, it's only----"
"Perfectly," he interrupted, gaily; "I understand everything I should and nothing I shouldn't. In fact, I have altered little, except in the trifling matter of a beard, a moustache or two, and, by the way, a name."
"I am now Francis Bunker, but as much at your service as ever."
"But why--I mean, have you really changed your name?"
"Circumstances have changed it, just as circumstances shaved me."
Lady Alicia made a great endeavour to look haughty. "I do not quite understand, Mr----"
"Bunker--a temporary title, but suggestive, and simple for the tradesmen."
"I do not understand your conduct. Why have you changed your name?"
This retort was so evidently unanswerable that Lady Alicia changed her inquiry.
"Then you didn't go to your own parish?" she demanded, reproachfully.