"My step-son, sir. He is head of the great family of the Chobbs, and follows the example of The O'Conor Don, The Chisholm, and other representatives of the old blood, by taking the distinction 'the' before his name. Should you like to look at the _cottage ornee_, sir?" "The one with the broken windows?" enquired Frank; "is it empty?" "Yes; the Marquis di Carralva left it last week. If you would like a lodging in it for a few weeks, The Chobb will be happy to put in a little furniture. You would join our circle"-- "And take lessons in discipline from The Chobb's governess?" "Of course; you would immediately become one of the family. We are all united in the village; no secrets, no privacy." "Then I take the house, sir," said Frank. "May I ask who it is I have the honour of talking to?" "My name is General Hosham--you've heard of my being commander-in-chief in Mexico; my step-son, Colonel Chobb, fought for the glorious Isabella of Spain. Will you go and look at the villa, sir?" "I shall take it," said Frank, "at all events. Very little accommodation will be enough for me." "And you will take possession?" "Immediately; I consider myself Colonel Chobb's tenant from this hour." "You do?" said the general, taking him by the hand. "You put me in mind of my poor aide-de-camp, Saint Rosalio; he was a perfect gentleman. I am proud to make your acquaintance, sir. I will be back in a few minutes." And so saying, the general made a military salam, and walked in a stately manner out of the room. "By this manoeuvre I have at all events secured admission to The Chobb's house; and if this governess is indeed poor Alice--but no--how could I think she would be connected in any way with such strange people as these? At all events, she is in the village, and by staying in it for a few days I am certain to find her out." In the midst of these and similar reflections, the general returned, and brought with him no less an individual than The Chobb in person. He was a little man, very dark in the complexion, and very fat, with the coarse look that a habit of low dissipation is sure to leave upon the best features. Small impudent eyes peeped sharply over the puffed out cheeks, and gave a look of mingled bullying and cunning to his countenance, which told a very intelligible tale of beer and tobacco. He held out his hand in the most open, unaffected manner, and echoed all his step-sire's speeches on the subject of the ornamental villa, and his pride and happiness in finding so desirable a neighbour.