dy started, looked at him, withdrew her glance, and appeared
somewhat confused. Her companion replied, 'I think, sir, I cannot err in
believing that I am indebted for much courtesy to his descendant?'

'I believe,' said Ferdinand, 'that I should not have much trouble in
proving my pedigree. I am generally considered an ugly likeness of my
grandfather.'

The gentleman smiled, and then said, 'I hardly know whether I can style
myself your neighbour, for I live nearly ten miles distant. It would,
however, afford me sincere gratification to see you at Ducie Bower.
I cannot welcome you in a castle. My name is Temple,' he continued,
offering his card to Ferdinand. 'I need not now introduce you to my
daughter. I was not unaware that Sir Ratcliffe Armine had a son, but I
had understood he was abroad.'

'I have returned to England within these two months,' replied Ferdinand,
'and to Armine within these two days. I deem it fortunate that my return
has afforded me an opportunity of welcoming you and Miss Temple. But you
must not talk of our castle, for that you know is our folly. Pray come
now and visit our older and humbler dwelling, and take some refreshment
after your long ride.'

This offer was declined, but with great courtesy. They quitted the
castle, and Mr. Temple was about to direct his steps towards the lodge,
where he had left his own and his daughter's horses; but Ferdinand
persuaded them to return through the park, which he proved to them very
satisfactorily must be the nearest way. He even asked permission to
accompany them; and while his groom was saddling his horse he led them
to the old Place and the flower-garden.

'You must be very fatigued, Miss Temple. I wish that I could persuade
you to enter and rest yourself.'

'Indeed, no: I love flowers too much to leave them.'

'Here is one that has the recommendation of novelty as well as beauty,'
said Ferdinand, plucking a strange rose, and presenting it to her. 'I
sent it to my mother from Barbary.'

'You live amidst beauty.'

'I think that I never remember Armine looking so well as to-day.'

'A sylvan scene requires sunshine,' replied Miss Temple. 'We have been
most fortunate in our visit.'

'It is something brighter than the sunshine that makes it so fair,'
replied Ferdinand; but at this moment the horses appeared.

CHAPTER V.

_In Which Captain Armine Is Very Absent during Dinner_.

YOU are well mounted,' said Mr. Temple to Ferdinand.