n sailors' jackets mounted suddenly. Lady Annabel and Venetia
simultaneously started as they recognised Lord Cadurcis and his
cousin. They were so close that neither party had time to prepare
themselves. Venetia found her hand in that of Plantagenet, while Lady
Annabel saluted George. Infinite were their mutual inquiries and
congratulations, but it so happened that, with one exception, no name
was mentioned. It was quite evident, however, to Herbert, that these
were very familiar acquaintances of his family; for, in the surprise
of the moment, Lord Cadurcis had saluted his daughter by her Christian
name. There was no slight emotion, too, displayed on all sides.
Indeed, independently of the agitation which so unexpected a
rencounter was calculated to produce, the presence of Herbert, after
the first moments of recognition, not a little excited the curiosity
of the young men, and in some degree occasioned the embarrassment
of all. Who was this stranger, on whom Venetia and her mother were
leaning with such fondness? He was scarcely too old to be the admirer
of Venetia, and if there were a greater disparity of years between
them than is usual, his distinguished appearance might well reconcile
the lady to her lot, or even justify her choice. Had, then, Cadurcis
again met Venetia only to find her the bride or the betrothed of
another? a mortifying situation, even an intolerable one, if his
feelings remained unchanged; and if the eventful year that had elapsed
since they parted had not replaced her image in his susceptible mind
by another more cherished, and, perhaps, less obdurate. Again, to Lady
Annabel the moment was one of great awkwardness, for the introduction
of her husband to those with whom she was recently so intimate, and
who were then aware that the name of that husband was never even
mentioned in her presence, recalled the painful past with a disturbing
vividness. Venetia, indeed, did not share these feelings fully,
but she thought it ungracious to anticipate her mother in the
announcement.

The Herberts turned with Lord Cadurcis and his cousin; they were about
to retrace their steps on the terrace, when Lady Annabel, taking
advantage of the momentary silence, and summoning all her energy, with
a pale cheek and a voice that slightly faltered, said, 'Lord Cadurcis,
allow me to present you to Mr. Herbert, my husband,' she added with
emphasis.

'Good God!' exclaimed Cadurcis, starting; and then, outstretching his