s was the first invitation to his house that Mr. Temple had ventured
to give him, though they had now known each other some time.

In the evening Lord Montfort appeared. Henrietta was lying on her sofa,
and her father would not let her rise. Lord Montfort had brought Mr.
Temple some English journals, which he had received from Leghorn.
The gentlemen talked a little on foreign politics; and discussed the
character of several of the most celebrated foreign ministers. Lord
Montfort gave an account of his visit to Prince Esterhazy. Henrietta
was amused. German politics and society led to German literature. Lord
Montfort, on this subject, seemed completely informed. Henrietta could
not refrain from joining in a conversation for which she was fully
qualified. She happened to deplore her want of books. Lord Montfort
had a library; but it was at Rome: no matter; it seemed that he thought
nothing of sending to Rome. He made a note very quietly of some books
that Henrietta expressed a wish to see, and begged that Mr. Temple would
send the memorandum to his servant.

'But surely to-morrow will do,' said Mr. Temple. 'Rome is too far to
send to this evening.'

'That is an additional reason for instant departure,' said his lordship
calmly.

Mr. Temple summoned a servant.

'Send this note to my house,' said his lordship. 'My courier will bring
us the books in four days,' he added, turning to Miss Temple. 'I am
sorry you should have to wait, but at Pisa I really have nothing.'

From this day Lord Montfort passed every evening at Mr. Temple's house.
His arrival never disturbed Miss Temple; she remained on the sofa. If
she spoke to him he was always ready to converse with her, yet he never
obtruded his society. He seemed perfectly contented with the company of
her father. Yet with all this calmness and reserve, there was no air
of affected indifference, no intolerable nonchalance; he was always
attentive, always considerate, often kind. However apparently engaged
with her father, it seemed that his vigilance anticipated all her wants.
If she moved, he was at her side; if she required anything, it would
appear that he read her thoughts, for it was always offered. She found
her sofa arranged as if by magic. And if a shawl were for a moment
missing, Lord Montfort always knew where it had been placed. In the
meantime, every morning brought something for the amusement of Mr.
Temple and his daughter; books, prints, drawings, newspapers,