ill you kindly tell him, that I expect the book I mentioned in a day or
two, and when it comes I'll either send or bring it to him immediately?'

Milly and I were standing, by this time, but she only stared at him,
tongue-tied, her cheeks rather flushed, and her eyes very round, and to
facilitate the dialogue, as I suppose, he said again--

'He's quite well, I hope?'

Still no response from Milly, and I, provoked, though myself a little shy,
made answer--

'My uncle, Mr. Ruthyn, is very well, thank you,' and I felt that I blushed
as I spoke.

'Ah, pray excuse me, may I take a great liberty? you are Miss Ruthyn,
of Knowl? Will you think me very impertinent--I'm afraid you will--if I
venture to introduce myself? My name is Carysbroke, and I had the honour of
knowing poor Mr. Ruthyn when I was quite a little boy, and he has shown a
kindness for me since, and I hope you will pardon the liberty I fear I've
taken. I think my friend, Lady Knollys, too, is a relation of yours; what a
charming person she is!'

'Oh, is not she? such a darling!' I said, and then blushed at my outspoken
affection.

But he smiled kindly, as if he liked me for it; and he said--

'You know whatever I think, I dare not quite say that; but frankly I can
quite understand it. She preserves her youth so wonderfully, and her fun
and her good-nature are so entirely girlish. What a sweet view you have
selected,' he continued, changing all at once. 'I've stood just at
this point so often to look back at that exquisite old bridge. Do you
observe--you're an artist, I see--something very peculiar in that tint of
the grey, with those odd cross stains of faded red and yellow?'

'I do, indeed; I was just remarking the peculiar beauty of the
colouring--was not I, Milly?'

Milly stared at me, and uttered an alarmed 'Yes,' and looked as if she had
been caught in a robbery.

'Yes, and you have so very peculiar a background,' he resumed. 'It was
better before the storm though; but it is very good still.'

Then a little pause, and 'Do you know this country at all?' rather
suddenly.

'No, not in the least--that is, I've only had the drive to this place; but
what I did see interested me very much.'

'You will be charmed with it when you know it better--the very place for an
artist. I'm a wretched scribbler myself, and I carry this little book in
my pocket,' and he laughed deprecatingly while he drew forth a thin
fishing-book, as it looked. 'They are mere me