had wound so curiously into this last branch of the
Apennines, that the party found themselves in a circus of hills, clothed
with Spanish chestnuts and olive trees, from which there was apparently
no outlet. A soft breeze, which it was evident had passed over the wild
flowers of the mountains, refreshed and charmed their senses.

'Could you believe we were only two hours' drive from a city?' said Lord
Montfort.

'Indeed,' said Henrietta, 'if there be peace in this world, one would
think that the dweller in that beautiful villa enjoyed it.'

'He has little to disturb him,' said Lord Montfort: 'thanks to his
destiny and his temper.'

'I believe we make our miseries,' said Henrietta, with a sigh. 'After
all, nature always offers us consolation. But who lives here?'

'I sometimes steal to this spot,' replied his lordship.

'Oh! this, then, is your villa? Ah! you have surprised us!'

'I only aimed to amuse you.'

'You are very kind, Lord Montfort,' said Mr. Temple; 'and we owe you
much.'

They stopped, they ascended the terrace, they entered the villa. A few
rooms only were furnished, but their appearance indicated the taste and
pursuits of its occupier. Busts and books were scattered about; a table
was covered with the implements of art; and the principal apartment
opened into an English garden.

'This is one of my native tastes,' said Lord Montfort, 'that will, I
think, never desert me.'

The memory of Henrietta was recalled to the flowers of Ducie and of
Armine. Amid all the sweets and sunshine she looked sad. She walked away
from her companions; she seated herself on the terrace; her eyes were
suffused with tears. Lord Montfort took the arm of Mr. Temple, and led
him away to a bust of Germanicus.

'Let me show it to Henrietta,' said Mr. Temple; 'I must fetch her.'

Lord Montfort laid his hand gently on his companion. The emotion of
Henrietta had not escaped his quick eye.

'Miss Temple has made a great exertion,' he said. 'Do not think me
pedantic, but I am something of a physician. I have long perceived
that, although Miss Temple should be amused, she must sometimes be left
alone.'

Mr. Temple looked at his companion, but the countenance of Lord Montfort
was inscrutable. His lordship offered him a medal and then opened a
portfolio of Marc Antonios.

'These are very rare,' said Lord Montfort; 'I bring them into the
country with me, for really at Rome there is no time to study them.
By-the-bye, I have