nsul explained to him, that the drawing had
been copied by his daughter from a sketch by an English traveller, who
preceded him. His name was inquired, and given.

'Ferrers!' exclaimed his lordship. 'What, has Ferrers been here?'

'You know Mr. Ferrers, then?' inquired Henrietta, with suppressed
agitation.

'Oh yes, I know Ferrers.'

'A most agreeable and gentleman-like man,' said the Consul, anxious, he
knew not why, that the conversation would cease.

'Oh yes, Ferrers is a very agreeable man. He piques himself on being
agreeable,--Mr. Ferrers.'

'From what I have observed of Mr. Ferrers,' said Henrietta, in a firm,
and rather decided tone, 'I should not have given him credit for any
sentiment approaching to _conceit_.'

'He is fortunate in having such a defender,' said his lordship, bowing
gallantly.

'Our friends are scarcely worth possessing,' said Miss Ponsonby, 'unless
they defend us when absent. But I am not aware that Mr. Ferrers needs
any defence.'

His lordship turned on his heel, and hummed an opera air.

'Mr. Ferrers paid us a long visit,' said the Consul, who was now
desirous that the conversation should proceed.

'He had evidently a great inducement,' said Lord Bohun. 'I wonder he
ever departed.'

'He is a great favourite in this house,' said Miss Ponsonby.

'I perceive it,' said Lord Bohun.

'What Ferrers is he?' inquired the Consul.

'Oh, he has gentle blood in his veins,' said Lord Bohun. 'I never heard
his breeding impeached.'

'And I should think, nothing else,' said Miss Ponsonby.

'Oh, I never heard anything particular against Ferrers,' said his
lordship; 'except that he was a _roue_, and a little mad. That is all.'

'Enough, I should think,' said Major Ponsonby, with a clouded brow.

'What a _roue_ may be, I can scarcely be supposed to judge,' said
Henrietta. 'If, however, it be a man remarkable for the delicacy of his
thoughts and conduct, Mr. Ferrers has certainly some claim to the title.
As for his madness, he was our constant companion for nearly three
months: if he be mad, it must be a very _little_ indeed.'

'He was a great favourite of Henrietta,' said her father, with a forced
smile.

'Fortunate man!' said the lord. 'Fortunate Ferrers!'

Lord Bohun stepped into the garden with the Consul: Miss Ponsonby was
left alone. Firm as had been her previous demeanour, now, that she
was alone, her agitated countenance denoted the tumult of her mind. A
_roue!_ Could it be s