A sound of coming feet startled him, and he had but time to throw himself on a sofa, when Miss Grainger entered. Her manner was cordial--fully as cordial as usual--perhaps a little more so, since, in the absence of her nieces, she was free to express the instinctive regard she felt towards all that bore his name. “How was it that you did not come with Loyd?” asked she. “I was busy, writing letters I believe--congratulations on Sophy’s approaching marriage; but what did Loyd say--was that the reason he gave?” “He gave none. He said he took a whim into his head to row himself across the lake; and indeed I half suspect the exertion was too much for him. He has been coughing again, and the pain in his side has returned.” “He’s a wretched creature--I mean as regards health and strength. Of course he always must have been so: but the lives these fellows lead in London would breach the constitution of a really strong man.” “Not Loyd, however; he never kept late hours, nor had habits of dissipation.” “I don’t suppose he ever told you that he had,” said he, laughing. “I conclude that he has never shown you his diary of town life.” “But do you tell me, seriously, that he is a man of dissipated habits?” “Not more so than eight out of every ten, perhaps, in his class of life. The student is everywhere more given to the excitements of vice than the sportsman. It is the compensation for the wearisome monotony of brain labour, and they give themselves up to excesses from which the healthier nature of a man with country tastes would revolt at once. But what have I to do with his habits? I am not his guardian nor his confessor.” “But they have a very serious interest for _me_.” “Then you must look for another counsellor. I am not so immaculate that I can arraign others; and, if I were, I fancy I might find some pleasanter occupation.” “But if I tell you a secret, a great secret--” “I’d not listen to a secret I detest secrets, just as I’d hate to have the charge of another man’s money. So, I warn you, tell me nothing that you don’t want to hear talked of at dinner, and before the servants.” “Yes; but this is a case in which I really need your advice.” “You can’t have it at the price you propose. Not to add, that I have a stronger sentiment to sway me in this case, which you will understand at once, when I you tell that he is a man of whom I would like to speak with great reserve, for the simple reason that I don’t like him.” “Don’t like him! You don’t like him!” “It does seem very incredible to you; but I must repeat it, I don’t like him.” “But will you tell me why? What are the grounds of your dislike?”