ster."

"What is her name?"

"That is to tell you my secret, sir."

"I saw you throwing your enchantments over some soldier. I knew just
how the poor fellow felt."

"Then you also have been in Arcadia. Be thankful for your past
blessings. I do not expect you to rejoice with me; none of the
apostolic precepts are so hard as that which bids us rejoice with
those who do rejoice."

"Neither Elizabeth nor you have ever named Aspatria in your letters."

"Did you expect us to change guard over Ambar-Side? I dare say
Aspatria has grown into a buxom, rosy-cheeked woman and quite
forgotten you."

"I must go and see her."

"I think you ought. Also, you should give her her freedom. I consider
your behaviour a dog-in-the-manger atrocity."

"Can you not pick nicer words, Sarah?"

"I would not if I could."

"Sarah, tell me truly, have I lost my good looks?"

She regarded him attentively a moment, and answered: "Not quite. You
have some good points yet. You have grown thin and gray, and lost
something, and perhaps gained something; but you are not very old, and
then, you know, you have your title, and your castle, and your very
old, old family, and I suppose a good deal of money." In reality, she
was sure that he had never before been so attractive; for he had now
the magic of a countenance informed by intellect and experience, eyes
brimming with light, lips neither loose nor coarse, yet full of
passion and the faculty of enjoyment.

He smiled grimly at Sarah's list of his charms, and said, "When will
you introduce me to your future sister?"

"This evening. Come about nine. I have a few sober people who will be
delighted to hear your South American adventures. Ria goes to Lady
Chester's ball soon after nine. Do not miss your chance."

"Could I see her now?"

"You could not."

"What for?"

"Do you suppose she would leave a _modiste_ for--you?"

"I wonder where Aspatria is!"

"Go and find out."

"Sarah, who is the young lady I saw in your carriage?"

"She is the sister of the officer you saw me with, the man I am going
to marry."

"Where did you meet him?"

"At a friend's house."

"Where did you meet her?"

"Her brother brought her to my house. I asked her to stay with me, and
finally we went to Italy together."

"She has a very aristocratic manner."

"She ought to have. She was educated at Mrs. St. Alban's, and she
visits at the Earl of Arundel's, the Duke of Norfolk's, and the very
exclusive Bol