ip, "have you your instructions?"

"Yes, my lord and I assure you that I never shall execute any with so
much pleasure. Has Captain Keene told you how he saved my life this
morning?"

"No, he did not say that," replied his lordship; "but he has told me
about the cow, and your clerk putting you foremost in the breach."

"She would have made a breach in me I expect, if it had not been for the
captain," replied Mr Warden; "and you may therefore believe me, my
lord, when I say that I shall obey my instructions with pleasure. I
wish you good morning. Good morning, Captain Keene. Colonel, your most
obedient." So saying, Mr Warden left the room. I was very much struck
with Mr Warden's observation, that he would execute his instructions
with so much pleasure; and when I turned round, I perceived that Colonel
Delmar was looking very grave; but the first dinner bell rang, and we
all went to our rooms to dress. Well, thought I, as I was dressing
myself, I presume the old lady has left me a thousand or two in her
will. I cared little about that, and then I dismissed the subject from
my thoughts; but as I sat by Miss Delmar after dinner, I could not help
thinking that her manner towards me was more affectionate than it had
been before; the _hauteur_ with which her civility and kindness had
hitherto been blended appeared to have been thrown aside; I presumed
that Lord de Versely had been speaking in my favour, and felt grateful
to him for his kindness. Perhaps, thought I, he has revealed to her the
secret of my birth, and she now considers me as a relation; perhaps she
may have left me more than I supposed. However, it is of little
consequence.

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX.

The next day, being the first of September, we were all very busy, and
we continued to shoot every day for a week, when I thought it time to
return to Portsmouth. I mentioned my intentions to Lord de Versely, and
was pressed to stay until the following Saturday, it being then Tuesday.
On Wednesday Mr Warden made his appearance, attended by his clerk, who
carried a bag of papers. He remained half an hour and then went home;
but, before he went, he asked me to dine with him on the following day,
and I consented.

After we returned from shooting the next day, I changed my clothes, and,
leaving word with the butler that I dined out, I took my way across the
fields. I was walking very quietly on the grass, by the side of a high
hedge, when I perceived t