At the first stage Maltravers and his friend were detained a short time for the want of horses. Lord Raby's house had been filled with guests on the preceding night, and the stables of this little inn, dignified with the sign of the Raby Arms, and about two miles distant from the great man's place, had been exhausted by numerous claimants returning homeward from Knaresdean. It was a quiet, solitary post-house, and patience, till some jaded horses should return, was the only remedy; the host, assuring the travellers that he expected four horses every moment, invited them within. The morning was cold, and the fire not unacceptable to Mr. Cleveland; so they went into the little parlour. Here they found an elderly gentleman of very prepossessing appearance, who was waiting for the same object. He moved courteously from the fireplace as the travellers entered, and pushed the "B-----shire Chronicle" towards Cleveland: Cleveland bowed urbanely. "A cold day, sir; the autumn begins to show itself." "It is true, sir," answered the old gentleman; "and I feel the cold the more, having just quitted the genial atmosphere of the South." "Of Italy?" "No, of England only. I see by this paper (I am not much of a politician) that there is a chance of a dissolution of parliament, and that Mr. Maltravers is likely to come forward for this county; are you acquainted with him, sir?" "A little," said Cleveland, smiling. "He is a man I am much interested in," said the old gentleman; "and I hope soon to be honoured with his acquaintance." "Indeed! and you are going into his neighbourhood?" asked Cleveland, looking more attentively at the stranger, and much pleased with a certain simple candour in his countenance and manner. "Yes, to Merton Rectory." Maltravers, who had been hitherto stationed by the window, turned round. "To Merton Rectory?" repeated Cleveland. "You are acquainted with Mr. Merton, then?" "Not yet; but I know some of his family. However, my visit is rather to a young lady who is staying at the rectory,--Miss Cameron." Maltravers sighed heavily; and the old gentleman looked at him curiously. "Perhaps, sir, if you know that neighbourhood, you may have seen--" "Miss Cameron! Certainly; it is an honour not easily forgotten." The old gentleman looked pleased. "The dear child!" said he, with a burst of honest affection, and he passed his hand over his eyes. Maltravers drew near to him. "You know Miss Cameron; you are to be envied, sir," said he. "I have known her since she was a child; Lady Vargrave is my dearest friend." "Lady Vargrave must be worthy of such a daughter. Only under the light of a sweet disposition and pure heart could that beautiful nature have been trained and reared." Maltravers spoke with enthusiasm; and, as if fearful to trust himself more, left the room.