I'm sorry I ever let my girl marry a rover. However, I'll just settle
my business in London, and be off to Devonshire to see my poor little
deserted Rosy. I suppose she's gone to live at that sea-coast village
where Jernam's aunt lives?"
"Yes, sir, Allandale--or Allanbay--or some such name, I think, they
call the place."
"Yes, Allanbay--I remember," answered the captain. "I'll try and get
through the business I've got on hand to-night, and be off to
Devonshire to-morrow."
Mrs. Mugby exerted herself to the uttermost in her endeavour to make
the captain's first dinner at home a great culinary triumph, but the
disappointment he had experienced that morning had quite taken away his
appetite. He had anticipated such delight from his unannounced return
to River View Cottage; he had pictured to himself his daughter's
rapturous welcome; he had fancied her rushing to greet him at the first
sound of his voice; and had almost felt her soft arm clasped around his
neck, her kisses on his face.
Instead of the realization of this bright dream, he had found only
disappointment.
Susan Trott placed the materials for the captain's favourite punch upon
the table after she had removed the cloth; but Joseph Duncombe did not
appear to see the cherry preparations for a comfortable evening. He
rose hastily from his chair, put on his hat, and went out, much to the
discomfiture of the worthy Mrs.
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