r
Frank played the hostess. The winter was drawing to a close, and it
had been settled that, on the first fine day which offered, we should
all make an excursion to the Werve. My grandfather had returned to
the garrison, and I was soon aware he disapproved of my sentiments
towards Lord William. And it was not long before I knew the reason why.

"One fine spring morning I was sitting on the balcony with a book in
my hand, when I heard my grandfather and father, who sat on a bench
underneath, speaking of Lord William and myself in terms which excited
my curiosity.

"Grandfather, in a very bad humour, said: 'She is always parading him
about, and he pays no attentions to anybody but her. In your place,
I should ask him to declare his intentions, and then the engagement
can be publicly announced.'

"My father burst out in a loud laugh.

"'Major,' he said, 'what are you thinking of? William, whose intentions
are perfectly honest, was at school with me; he is only two or three
years my junior, and Francis has not completed her seventeenth year.'

"'What does that matter? He does not look much over thirty, and I
tell you she's madly in love with him. How is it possible you have
never perceived it yourself?'

"'Bless me, Major!' cried my father, 'you must know that William is
married; and, moreover, I am very grateful to him for acting the part
of mentor to Francis; indeed she had need of one!'

"'In truth, Sir John, either you are too simple, or you indulge a
confidence in your friend I cannot approve of.'

"'You would have the same confidence in him that I have, if you knew
him as well. He is every inch a gentleman, sir, and if I hinted the
slightest suspicion he would leave the house instantly. And, besides,
he is generous, very generous--I am deeply indebted to him. His stay
with us is almost at its close. He must return to London to preside
at the meeting of some society of antiquarians of which he is the
president. The disagreeable affair which obliged him to come to
the Continent is almost arranged. He was afraid of a lawsuit which
would have caused much scandal in high life, but the mediators are
now hopeful of success. His wife, who is travelling in the South with
his relations, has written him a very humble letter, imploring him to
forget and to forgive. He has told me his mind is not yet quite made
up, but that he has a great repugnance to a divorce; probably then----'

"Hereupon the two speakers got up and