trim-looking row of cottage-houses on a sort of artificial embankment
which elevated them above the surrounding buildings, and gave a view of
the Thames as it wound through the rich meadows beneath. They were neat
with that English neatness which at once pleases and shocks a foreign
eye,--the trim propriety that loves comfort, but has no heart for
beauty. Thus, each was like his neighbor. The very jalousies were
painted the same color; and every ranunculus in one garden had his
brother in the next No. 4 was soon found, and Tony rang the bell and
inquired for Miss Stewart.

"She's in the school-room with the young ladies," said the woman
servant; "but if you 'll step in and tell me your name, I 'll send her
to you."

"Just say that I have come from her own neighborhood; or, better, say
Mr. Tony Butler would be glad to see her." He had scarcely been a moment
in the neat but formal-looking front parlor, when a very tall, thin,
somewhat severe-looking lady--not old, nor yet young--entered, and
without any salutation said, "You asked for Miss Stewart, sir,--are you
a relative of hers?"

"No, madam. My mother and Miss Stewart's father are neighbors and very
old friends; and being by accident in London, I desired to see her, and
bring back news of her to the doctor."

"At her father's request, of course?"

"No, madam; I cannot say so, for I left home suddenly, and had no time
to tell him of my journey."

"Nor any letter from him?"

"None, madam."

The thin lady pursed up her parched lips, and bent her keen cold eyes
on the youth, who really felt his cheek grow hot under the scrutiny. He
knew that his confession did not serve to confirm his position; and he
heartily wished himself out of the house again.

"I think, then, sir," said she, coldly, "it will serve every purpose if
I inform _you_ that Miss Stewart is well; and if I tell _her_ that you
were kind enough to call and ask after her."

"I'm sure you are right, madam," said he, hurriedly moving towards
the door, for already he felt as if the ground was on fire beneath
him,--"quite right; and I 'll tell the doctor that though I did n't see
Miss Dora, she was in good health, and very happy."

"I did n't say anything about her happiness, that I remember, sir; but
as I see her now passing the door, I may leave that matter to come from
her own lips. Miss Stewart," cried she, louder, "there is a gentleman
here, who has come to inquire after you." A very pale but ni