He was silent, which was a sign that he was satisfied. I went on after
a moment, "I don't wonder that you all love it. I never saw anything
half so beautiful. The dear old house is prettier than any new one that
could be built, and the trees are so grand! And oh, Richard, I think the
garden lying on the hillside there in the beautiful warm sun, with such
royal flowers and fruit, is worth all the grape-houses and
conservatories in the neighborhood. Your sister took us to three or four
of the neighboring places a week or two ago. But I like this a hundred
times the best. I should think you would be sorry every moment that you
have to spend away from it."

"I hope one of these days to live here altogether," he said in a low
tone.

It was so difficult for Richard to be unreserved that it is very likely
this was the first time in his life that he had ever expressed this, the
brightest hope he had.

I could fancy all these few words implied--a wife, children, a happy
home in manhood where he had been a happy child.

"It belongs to Kilian and me, but it is understood I have the right to
it when I am ready for it."

"And your sister--it does not belong at all to her?"

"No, she only keeps house for us. It would make a great change for
Sophie if either of us married. But then I know that it would give her
pleasure, for I am sure that she would not be selfish."

I was not so sure, but, of course, I did not say so. At this moment,
while Richard smoked and I walked silently beside him, a dark figure
struck directly across the path before us. The apparition was so sudden
that I sprang and screamed, and caught Richard by the arm.

"I beg your pardon," said the tutor, with a quick look of surprise at me
and then at Richard, and bowing, strode on into the house.

"That's the German Sophie has taken for the boys, is it?" said Richard,
knitting his brows, and looking after him, with no great approbation. "I
don't half like the idea of his being here: I told Sophie so at
starting. A governess would do as well for two years yet. What kind of a
person does he seem to be?"

"I don't know--that is--I can't tell exactly. I don't know him well
enough," I answered in confusion, which Richard did not see.

"No, of course not. You would not be likely to see him except at the
table. But it is awkward having him here,--so much of the week, no man
about; and one never knows anything about these Germans."

"I thought--your sister said--