rriage others,--and
the holiday of youth was gone for all.

The servant opened the gate. Mr. Robert Hobbs was at home; he had
friends with him,--he was engaged; Lord Vargrave sent in his card, and
the introductory letter from Mr. Winsley. In two seconds, these missives
brought to the gate Mr. Robert Hobbs himself, a smart young man, with
a black stock, red whiskers, and an eye-glass pendant to a hair-chain
which was possibly _a gage d'amour_ from Miss Margaret Winsley.

A profusion of bows, compliments, apologies, etc., the carriage drove up
the sweep, and Lord Vargrave descended, and was immediately ushered into
Mr. Hobbs's private room. The slim secretary followed, and sat silent,
melancholy, and upright, while the peer affably explained his wants and
wishes to the surveyor.

Mr. Hobbs was well acquainted with the locality of Lisle Court, which
was little more than thirty miles distant, he should be proud to
accompany Lord Vargrave thither the next morning. But, might he venture,
might he dare, might he presume--a gentleman who lived at the town of
----- was to dine with him that day; a gentleman of the most profound
knowledge of agricultural affairs; a gentleman who knew every farm,
almost every acre, belonging to Colonel Maltravers; if his lordship
could be induced to waive ceremony, and dine with Mr. Hobbs; it might be
really useful to meet this gentleman. The slim secretary, who was very
hungry, and who thought he sniffed an uncommonly savoury smell, looked
up from his boots. Lord Vargrave smiled.

"My young friend here is too great an admirer of Mrs. Hobbs--who is to
be--not to feel anxious to make the acquaintance of any member of the
family she is to enter."

Mr. George Frederick Augustus Howard blushed indignant refutation of the
calumnious charge. Vargrave continued,--"As for me, I shall be
delighted to meet any friends of yours, and am greatly obliged for your
consideration. We may dismiss the postboys, Howard; and what time shall
we summon them,--ten o'clock?"

"If your lordship would condescend to accept a bed, we can accommodate
your lordship and this gentleman, and start at any hour in the morning
that--"

"So be it," interrupted Vargrave. "You speak like a man of business.
Howard, be so kind as to order the horses for six o'clock to-morrow.
We'll breakfast at Lisle Court."

This matter settled, Lord Vargrave and Mr. Howard were shown into their
respective apartments. Travelling dresses were ch