And there was a pause, for so serious a position of affairs had not been contemplated, and Elizabeth felt the necessity of thinking it over before she could settle what to do. "It was him then that passed the window, riding so slow, on a big black horse?" "That passed the window? There's always some one passing the window," said Lily, in a careless tone. "And turning back to pass again, and staring in?" "Oh, that's their ill-bred way; they're very ill-bred. But I know who you mean, mother: that's somebody else. That's Sir Richard Featherstonhaugh, from the other side of the water." "Lily, Lily! Is this what it's come to? And you let them both speak, and never trouble your head? Oh, Lily lass! do you see the way you're going? You must come back with me; you must come home. There's no gentlemen there to turn your head. Oh, he did well--he did well to give me warning. He is the one of us all that knows the best!" "Who has been telling upon me?" cried Lily, growing pale. As usual, she was full of resentment against the betrayer, but thought little of those evils of her own which were thus found out. "One that thinks of what's best for you," said her mother, slowly; "one that's far above both you and me. A gentleman, and more than a gentleman." Lily had grown slightly pale, and her lips parted with wonder. Who could this be? She became doubly alarmed at the thought of some one watching her who was worthy of so many praises. "I don't know who you can mean," she said. "Who should I mean but your own brother? though I fear--I fear you're no' worthy a thought of him----" "Abel!" said Lily, under her breath. It gave her a shock, as if Abel had been a spirit and could see her, while himself unseen. "How does Abel know? Was Abel here?" "He sent me a letter. He has a friend that has seen you, Lily. Think how it must be when young lads, strangers, _gentlemen_, can make so free with your name." "I know, then, who it is!" cried Lily. "I never thought much of him--and to spy upon a girl! He's the gentleman that is staying with Mr Landale, and that looks so grave and never says a word." "Oh, I would like to know that gentleman, Lily! I would like to ask him about my boy." Elizabeth for the moment forgot one interest in another. Lily was so far safe that her mother was by her side, and had warned her at least of the danger. But Abel, where was he? And she had not seen him for so many years!