nk him, and walked up to the house
with Markham and Mr. Ashford.

Markham conducted them straight to the library, the door of which was
open. He crossed the room, smiled, and made a sign to Mr. Ashford, who
looked in some surprise and amusement. It has been already said that
the room was so spacious that the inhabited part looked like a little
encampment by the fire, though the round table was large, and the green
leather sofa and arm chair were cumbrous.

However, old Sir Guy's arm-chair was never used by his grandson; Markham
might sit there, and Bustle did sometimes, but Guy always used one of
the unpretending, unluxurious chairs, which were the staple of the room.
This, however, was vacant, and on the table before it stood the remains
of breakfast, a loaf reduced to half its dimensions, an empty plate and
coffee-cup. The fire was burnt down to a single log, and on the sofa,
on all the various books with which it was strewed, lay Guy, in anything
but a comfortable position, his head on a great dictionary, fairly
overcome with sleep, his very thick, black eyelashes resting on his
fresh, bright cheek, and the relaxation of the grave expression of his
features making him look even younger than he really was. He was so
sound asleep that it was not till some movement of Markham's that he
awoke, and started up, exclaiming,--

'What a horrid shame! I am very sorry!'

'Sorry! what for?' said Markham. 'I am glad, at any rate, you have been
wise enough to change your things, and eat some breakfast.'

'I meant to have done so much,' said Guy; 'but sea-wind makes one so
sleepy!' Then, perceiving the captain, he came forward, hoping he was
quite recovered.

The captain stood mystified, for he could not believe this slim youth
could be the Sir Guy of whose name he had heard so much, and, after
answering the inquiry, he began,--

'If I could have the honour of seeing Sir Guy--'

'Well?' said Guy.

'I beg your pardon, sir!' said the captain, while they all laughed, 'I
did not guess you could be so young a gentleman. I am sure, sir, 'tis
what any man might be proud of having done, and--I never saw anything
like it!' he added, with a fresh start, 'and it will do you honour
everywhere. All our lives are owing to you, sir.'

Guy did not cut him short, though very glad when it was over. He felt he
should not, in the captain's place, like to have his thanks shortened,
and besides, if ever there was happiness or exultation, it