net, that's all."

There was some truth in this. Her Ladyship did, in fact, give herself
not a whit more thought or consideration for preparation of any kind,
than if the excursion had been a promenade.

"It is now two o'clock," said Sir Stafford, "and if we mean to reach
Offenburg to-night we must not lose more time. Isn't it Offenburg you
advise as our halt, Mr. Jekyl?"

"Yes, Sir Stafford," simpered out that bland personage. "It is a most
comfortable little inn, and a very praiseworthy cook."

"By the bye, has any one thought of ordering luncheon here?" cried
George.

Jekyl gave a nod, to intimate that he had taken that precaution.

"And, Mr. Jekyl," said Lady Hester, "what of those bullfinches, for I
must have them?"

"They are safely caged and packed in our britzska, madam. You 'll also
find that your sketch-book and the water-colors are available at any
moment, Miss Onslow," said he, with a respectful gesture. She smiled,
and bowed her thanks in silence.

"And de horses, saar?" asked the courier once more, for during this
colloquy he had been standing in expectation of his orders.

"Do tell him, Mr. Jekyl," said Lady Hester, with that tone of languor
that bespoke her dislike to the trouble of even a trifling degree of
resolution.

"I think we shall say in one hour, Gregoire," said Jekyl, mildly. "And,
perhaps, it would be better that you should see--" What this matter
was that the courier should bestow his special attention upon is not on
record in this history, inasmuch as that when the speaker had reached
thus far, he passed out of the door, talking as he went, in a low and
confidential voice.

"Capital fellow Jekyl!" exclaimed George; "he forgets nothing."

"He appears to be a most accomplished traveller," said Sir Stafford.

"And such a linguist!" said Sydney.

"And so amusing!" added my Lady.

"And such a rogue!" muttered Dalton to himself, who, although so open to
any imposition that took the form of flattery, could at once detect the
knavery that was practised upon others, and who, at a glance, read the
character of the new acquaintance.

"Don't you like the stir and excitement of the road, my dear child?"
said Lady Hester to Kate, who, with very red eyes and very pale cheeks,
stood in a window to avoid being observed. "There is something so
adventurous about a journey always. One may be robbed, you know, or the
carriage upset, as happened to ourselves t' other day; or mistaken for
some