nk I ought."

Julia looked at Nelly, and then at her brother. She looked as if she
wanted them to say something--anything; but neither spoke, and then,
with a courage that never failed her, she said,--

"Of course we think that a meeting between two people who have no
personal reasons for dislike, but have a great question to be decided
in favor of one of them, cannot but be useful. If it will not lead to a
friendship, it may at least disarm a prejudice."

"I wish I had you for my counsel, Julia," said Bram-leigh, smiling. "Is
it yet too late to send you a brief?"

"Perhaps I am engaged for the other side."

"At all events," said he, more seriously, "if it be a blunder to meet
the man, it cannot much matter. The question between us must be decided
elsewhere, and we need not add the prejudices of ignorance to the rancor
of self-interest. I 'll see him."

"That's right; I 'm sure that's right," said L'Estrange. "I'll despatch
a note to Lady Augusta, who is eager for your answer."

CHAPTER XLVI. A STROLL AND A GOSSIP

As well to have a long talk together as to enjoy the glorious beauty and
freshness of the Campagna, the two young men set out the next morning
for a walk to Rome. It was one of those still cold days of winter,
with a deep blue sky above, and an atmosphere clear as crystal as they
started.

There was not in the fortunes of either of them much to cheer the
spirits or encourage hope, and yet they felt--they knew not why--a sense
of buoyancy and light-hearted-ness they had not known for many a day
back.

"How is it, George," asked Augustus, "can you explain it that when the
world went well with me, when I could stroll out into my own woods, and
walk for hours over my own broad acres, I never felt so cheery as I do
to-day?"

"It was the same spirit made you yesterday declare you enjoyed our
humble dinner with a heartier zest than those grand banquets that were
daily served up at Castello."

"Just so. But that does not solve the riddle for me. I want to know
the why of all this. It is no high sustaining consciousness of doing the
right thing; no grand sense of self-approval: for, in the first place,
I never had a doubt that we were not the rightful owners of the estate,
nor am I now supported by the idea that I am certainly and indubitably
on the right road, because nearly all my friends think the very
reverse." L'Estrange made no answer. Bramleigh went on: "You yourself
are so minded, George.