for I know I may do so; therefore,
I would beseech you to take care of him, and, above all things, do not
come into collision with him. I have told you, Mr. Hinton, that I wish
you to know my father. For this object, it is essential you should
have no misunderstanding with my cousin; for although his whole conduct
through life has been such as to grieve and afflict him, yet the feeling
for his only sister's child has sustained him against all the
rumours and reports that have reached him, and even against his own
convictions.'

'You have, indeed,' said I, 'suggested a strong reason for keeping
well with your cousin. My heart is not only bent on being known to your
father, but, if I dare hope it, on being liked by him also.'

'Yes, yes,' said she quickly, blushing while she spoke, 'I am sure he'll
like you--and I know you'll like him. Our house, perhaps I should tell
you, is not a gay one. We lead a secluded and retired life; and this
has had its effect upon my poor father, giving a semblance of
discontent--only a semblance, though--to a nature mild, manly, and
benevolent.'

She paused an instant, and, as if fearing that she had been led away
to speak of things she should not have touched upon, added with a more
lively tone--

'Still, we may contrive to amuse you. You shall have plenty of fishing
and coursing, the best shooting in the west, and, as for scenery, I'll
answer for it you are not disappointed.'

While we chatted thus, the time rolled on, and at last the clock on the
mantel-piece apprised us that it was time to set out for the ball. This,
as it may be believed, was anything but a promise of pleasure to me.
With Louisa Bellew beside me, talking in a tone of confidential intimacy
she had never ventured on before, I would have given worlds to have
remained where I was. However, the thing was impossible; 'the ball! the
ball!' passed from lip to lip, and already the carriages were assembled
before the door, and cloaks, hoods, and mantles were distributed on all
sides.

Resolving, at all events, to secure Miss Bellew as my fellow-traveller,
I took her arm to lead her downstairs.

'Holloa, Hinton!' cried the Major, 'you 're coming with me, ain't you?'

I got up a tremendous fit of coughing, as I stammered out an apology
about night-air, etc.

'Ah, true, my poor fellow,' said the simple-hearted Bob; 'you must take
care of yourself--this has been a severe day's work for you.'

'With such a heavy cold,' sa