ion of allowing all Deerbrook time to look at Mr Walcot. When
none but the Levitts remained, the lady issued forth from the porch,
leaning on Mr Walcot's arm, and followed by four of her children, who
were walking two and two, holding up their heads, and glancing round to
see how many people were observing the new gentleman they had brought
with them from Cheltenham. Mr Enderby approached the family party, and
said--

"Sister, will you introduce me to Mr Walcot?"

"With the greatest pleasure, my dear brother. Mr Walcot, my brother,
Mr Enderby. Brother, my friend, Mr Walcot."

Mr Walcot blushed with delight, looked as if he longed to shake hands
if he dared, and said something of his joy at becoming acquainted with
the brother of so kind a friend as Mrs Rowland.

"There is not much to be apprehended here," thought Mr Enderby. "How
perfectly unlike what I had fancied! This dragon, which was to devour
the Hopes, seems a pretty harmless creature. Why he looks a mere boy,
and with hair so light, one can't see it without spectacles. What will
he do with himself in my mother's good house? Fanny Grey's bird-cage
would suit him better;--and then he might hang in Rowland's hall, and be
always ready for use when the children are ill. I must have out what I
mean to say to him, however; and, from his looks, I should fancy I may
do what I please with him. He will go away before dinner, if I ask him,
I have little doubt. I wonder that, while she was about it, Priscilla
did not find out somebody who had the outside of a professional man at
least. This youth looks as if he would not draw one's tooth for the
world, because it would hurt one so! How he admires the rooks and the
green grass on the graves, because the children do!--Sister," he
continued aloud, "I am sorry to deprive you of your companion; but it is
absolutely necessary that Mr Walcot and I should have some conversation
together immediately. The children will go home with you; and we will
follow presently."

Mrs Rowland looked thunder and lightning at her brother; but Mr Walcot
appeared so highly pleased, that she considered it safest to acquiesce
in the present arrangement, trusting to undo Philip's work in the course
of the afternoon. So she sailed away with the children.

"This is no time for ceremony," observed Enderby, as he led the way to
the walk under the trees. "I have used none with my sister, as you
perceive; and I shall use none with you."