he paused, and a musical voice called out:

"Hallo! you young varlet; where are you going so early in the morning?"

Herbert answered faintly, "I am going with Miss Reef to the lake."

The gentleman at this reply waved his jewelled hand gracefully toward me.
"Miss Reef, I am happy to make your acquaintance. So you are the young
lady who has undertaken to be bored with my little nephew?"

"He is not a bore," said I, smilingly, captivated by the grace and
abandon of the traveller. And truly his handsome countenance might have
captivated a girl more experienced in the world's ways than myself. His
was a gay, spirited face, complexion fair and rosy; full red lips, graced
with a curling moustache; golden locks fit for an Adonis; sunny, dancing
eyes, and a figure rather massive, but well formed. Such was the
impression I received of this "Uncle Richard."

"Allow me to give you a seat in my brougham," said he.

I thanked him, but refused.

"Bound on some romantic expedition," he said, laughing; "I can see it in
your beaming eyes. Well, I suppose I must continue my solitary drive; but
don't tarry long at the dismal lake; hasten back, as I shall want a
companion to chat with in the empty Hall."

I found Herbert unwilling to talk about his uncle, so I tried to dismiss
the new comer from my thoughts, and engaged with my pupil in gathering
wild flowers and grasses wherewith to form wreaths and bouquets to adorn
our school-room. After rambling about for an hour, we turned homeward.

I felt quite excited upon reaching the Hall, and hurried to my room to
smooth my hair preparatory to commencing the labors of the day. If I
stood over my mirror longer than usual, remember I was young, and had a
laudable desire to please. As I surveyed myself in the glass, I was
guilty of a pleasurable cognizance of the figure and face reflected
there. The walk and unexpected encounter had given an unwonted brilliancy
and vivacity to my countenance. My cheeks glowed; my eyes sparkled; and
from my chestnut curls depended wild flowers, and wreaths of Herbert's
twining; altogether a pleasing picture presented itself to view, which,
without vanity, I was thankful to behold.

We had not been long at our lessons when a voice, gaily singing,
approached the door, and without the ceremony of knocking, the gentleman
whom we had passed in our morning ramble entered the room.

"I have been looking all over for you; why are you hiding yourself away
up her