steed by the rein,
advanced on foot towards the house. As I did so a figure abruptly turned
the corner of a shrubbery walk, which ran at right angles to the road,
and I found myself face to face with Richard Cumberland!

For a moment he remained staring at me as if he scarcely recognised me,
or was unwilling to trust the evidence of his senses, so confounded was
he at my unexpected apparition; but as I met his gaze with a cold, stern
look, he seemed to doubt no longer and advancing a step towards me
said, in a tone of ironical politeness:--"Is it possible that I have the
pleasure of seeing Mr. Fairlegh?"

"None other, Mr. Cumberland," returned I, "though I could hardly
have flattered myself that my appearance would have recalled any very
pleasurable associations, considering the last two occasions on which we
met."

"Ah! you refer to that unfortunate affair with Wilford," replied
Cumberland, purposely misunderstanding my allusion to Dr. Mildman's. "I
had hoped to have been able to prevent the mischief which occurred,
but I was misinformed as to the time of the meeting--I trust our friend
Oaklands feels no ill effects from his wound."

"Mr. Oaklands, I am sorry to say, recovers but slowly; the wound was a
very severe one," returned I coldly. "Well, I will not detain you any
longer, it is a lovely morning for a ride," resumed Cumberland; "can I
be of any assistance in directing you? the lanes in this neighbourhood
are somewhat intricate--you are not perhaps aware that the road you are
now following is a private one." "Scarcely so private that those who
have business with Mr. Vernor may not make use of it, I presume,"
rejoined I. "Oh! of course not," was the reply--"I did not know that you
were acquainted with my uncle; though now I come to think of it, I do
recollect his saying that he had met you somewhere. He seldom receives
visitors in the morning;--in fact, when I came out, I left him
particularly engaged. Perhaps I can save you the trouble of going up to
the house; is there any message I can deliver for you?" "I thank you,"
replied I, "but I do not think the business which has brought me here
could be well transacted through a third person; at all events, I will
take my chance of being admitted:"--I paused, but could not refrain from
adding, "besides, if my memory fails not, you were a somewhat heedless
messenger in days of yore."

This allusion to his embezzlement of Oaklands' letter stung him to the
quick: h