d to
other objects.

Guy was not much charmed with Mrs. Deane's invitation. He said he knew
he must go to make up for his rudeness about the ball; but he grumbled
enough to make Mrs. Edmonstone laugh at him for being so stupid as
to want to stay hum-drum in the chimney corner. No doubt it was very
pleasant there. There was that peculiar snugness which belongs to a
remnant of a large party, when each member of it feels bound to prevent
the rest from being dull. Guy devoted himself to Charles more than
ever, and in the fear that he might miss the late variety of amusement,
exerted even more of his powers of entertainment than Lady Eveleen had
called forth.

There were grave readings in the mornings, and long walks in the
afternoons, when he dragged Charles, in his chair, into many a place he
had never expected to see again, and enabled him to accompany his mother
and sisters in many a delightful expedition. In the evening there was
music, or light reading, especially poetry, as this was encouraged by
Mrs. Edmonstone, in the idea that it was better that so excitable and
enthusiastic a person as Guy should have his objects of admiration
tested by Charles's love of ridicule.

Mr. Edmonstone had left to Guy the office of keeping the 1st of
September, one which he greatly relished. Indeed, when he thought of his
own deserted manors, he was heard to exclaim, in commiseration for the
neglect, 'Poor partridges!' The Hollywell shooting was certainly not
like that at Redclyffe, where he could hardly walk out of his own
grounds, whereas here he had to bear in mind so many boundaries, that
Philip was expecting to have to help him out of some direful scrape. He
had generally walked over the whole extent, and assured himself that the
birds were very wild, and Bustle the best of dogs, before breakfast, so
as to be ready for all the occupations of the day. He could scarcely be
grateful when the neighbours, thinking it must be very dull for him to
be left alone with Mrs. Edmonstone and her crippled son, used to ask
him to shoot or dine. He always lamented at first, and ended by enjoying
himself.

One night, he came home, in such a state of eagerness, that he must
needs tell his good news; and, finding no one in the drawing-room, he
ran up-stairs, opened Charles's door, and exclaimed--'There's to be a
concert at Broadstone!' Then perceiving that Charles was fast asleep,
he retreated noiselessly, reserving his rejoicings till morning,