imposed confinement. He examined himself carefully in the
looking-glass, and was satisfied that his new clothes disguised him
from his late shipmates, and also from those whom he had met on board
of the Orlando. Certainly they had wrought a very great change in
his appearance, and with the round-top hat on, which was entirely
different from anything he had worn before, even his mother would not
recognize him, unless they came near enough together to enable her to
scrutinize his features. Of course none of the people from the
squadron would come to the hotel, and he had not yet been called upon
to register his name.
He unlocked his door, and went into the long entry which opened into
the court-yard. It was stupid to stay alone in his chamber. It was
some relief even to promenade the hall, for one so nervous as he was
at this time. If any of the Orlando's passengers came near him, he
could retreat into his room. He walked up and down several times, but
this soon became stale amusement.
"Who's in the next room to mine?" he asked, as one of the waiters
passed him in his promenade.
"Gentleman and lady from America, sir," replied the man; "an uncommon
handsome young woman, sir."
Before the waiter could further express his opinion of the guests in
No. 31, Paul Kendall came out of the room, and, seeing the servant,
ordered a carriage to be ready in half an hour.
"Is there much to see in this place, sir?" asked Clyde, politely.
"Not much, I think," replied Paul.
"I dare say you are going into the interior, sir."
"Not far."
"There is fine fishing there," persisted Clyde.
"So I am told; but I haven't much time to spend in such sport, and I
am afraid my wife would not enjoy it as well as I should. Do you go to
the interior?"
"Yes, sir; I intend to do so when my mother and sister arrive. My
mother goes a-fishing with me."
"Does she, indeed? You are from England, I suppose," added Paul, who
suspected that the young man was one of those lonesome travellers
eager to make a friend, and actually suffering from the want of one.
"Yes; Mockhill Manor, New Forest, Hampshire."
"Are you travelling alone?" asked Paul, who was full of sympathy for
the apparent loneliness of the young man.
"I am alone just now, but I expect my mother and sister from
Christiansand to-night," replied Clyde.
"Can I do anything for you?" inquired Paul, who, after this
explanation, did not regard the young gentleman's situation as
|