it his soul to be the least daunted by any
possible conjuncture of ill fortune. A week, a whole happy week glided
away, and spent almost entirely at Armine. Their presence there was
scarcely noticed by the single female servant who remained; and, if her
curiosity had been excited, she possessed no power of communicating it
into Somersetshire. Besides, she was unaware that her young master was
nominally in London. Sometimes an hour was snatched by Henrietta from
roaming in the pleasaunce, and interchanging vows of mutual love and
admiration, to the picture-gallery, where she had already commenced a
miniature copy of the portrait of the great Sir Ferdinand. As the
sun set they departed in their little equipage. Ferdinand wrapped his
Henrietta in his fur cloak, for the autumn dews began to rise, and, thus
protected, the journey of ten miles was ever found too short. It is the
habit of lovers, however innocent their passion, to grow every day less
discreet; for every day their almost constant companionship becomes more
a necessity. Miss Temple had almost unconsciously contrived at first
that Captain Armine, in the absence of her father, should not be
observed too often at Ducie; but now Ferdinand drove her home every
evening, and drank tea at the Bower, and the evening closed with music
and song. Each night he crossed over the common to his farmhouse more
fondly and devotedly in love.

One morning at Armine, Henrietta being alone in the gallery busied with
her drawing, Ferdinand having left her for a moment to execute some
slight commission for her, she heard some one enter, and, looking up
to catch his glance of love, she beheld a venerable man, of a mild and
benignant appearance, and dressed in black, standing, as if a little
surprised, at some distance. Herself not less confused, she nevertheless
bowed, and the gentleman advanced with hesitation, and with a faint
blush returned her salute, and apologised for his intrusion. 'He thought
Captain Armine might be there.'

'He was here but this moment,' replied Miss Temple; 'and doubtless will
instantly return.' Then she turned to her drawing with a trembling hand.

'I perceive, madam,' said the gentleman, advancing and speaking in a
soft and engaging tone, while looking at her labour with a mingled air
of diffidence and admiration, 'that you are a fine artist.'

'My wish to excel may have assisted my performance,' replied Miss
Temple.

'You are copying the portrait of a