esently found himself on a terrace, looking out on the
deep blue lake, there divided by the promontory of Bellagio, into two
branches, the magnificent mountain forms rising opposite to him. A
little boat was crossing, and as it neared the landing-place, he saw
that it contained a gentleman and lady, English--probably his cousins
themselves. They looked up, and in another moment had waved their
recognition. Gestures and faces were strangely familiar, like a bit
of Hollywell transplanted into that Italian scene. He hastened to the
landing-place, and was met by a hearty greeting from Guy, who seemed
full of eagerness to claim their closer relationship, and ready to be
congratulated.

'How d'ye do, Philip? I am glad we have caught you at last. Here she
is.'

If he had wished to annoy Philip, he could hardly have done so more
effectually than by behaving as if nothing was amiss, and disconcerting
his preparations for a reconciliation. But the captain's ordinary manner
was calculated to cover all such feelings; and as he shook hands, he
felt much kindness for Amabel, as an unconscious victim, whose very
smiles were melancholy, and plenty of them there were, for she rejoiced
sincerely in the meeting, as Guy was pleased, and a home face was a
welcome sight.

'I have your letters in my knapsack; I will unpack them as soon as we
get to the hotel. I thought it safer not to send them in search of you
again, as we were to meet so soon.'

'Certainly. Are there many?'

'One for each of you, both from Hollywell. I was very sorry to have
engrossed them; but not knowing you were so near, I only gave my
surname.'

'It was lucky for us,' said Guy, 'otherwise we could not have traced
you. We saw your name at Altdorf, and have been trying to come up with
you ever since.'

'I am glad we have met. What accounts have you from home?'

'Excellent,' said Amy; 'Charlie is uncommonly well, he has been out of
doors a great deal, and has even dined out several times.'

'I am very glad.'

'You know he has been improving ever since his great illness.'

'You would be surprised to see how much better he moves,' said Guy; 'he
helps himself so much more.'

'Can he set his foot to the ground?'

'No,' said Amy, 'there is no hope of that; but he is more active,
because his general health is improved; he can sleep and eat more.'

'I always thought exertion would do more for him than anything else.'

Amabel was vexed, for she thought exertion