And indeed Charley Vining was thoughtful and troubled in mind. He had encountered Ella twice since the day of the fete, to find her cold and distant. But then she had been in the company of Laura. All the same, though, it struck him as strange that the haughty beauty should have taken it into her head to accompany her in her walks: it looked like supervising her actions; and again and again Charley reverted to Nelly's warning, and longed for a few words with her; but so far it was in vain. He had called twice, to meet Laura and Mrs Bray, Max having returned to town. His reception had been most flattering, and there was a gentle, retiring way with Laura that troubled him; for he felt that he must be giving her pain, and his was too generous a disposition to suffer in peace the knowledge that he was causing others trouble or care. But call or walk, save in the society of Laura, neither Nelly nor Ella could be seen; and leaving Sir Philip immersed in the day's news, Charley left the room, went round to the stables, and had his mare saddled. Still no luck. He did not even see them that day; and time slipped by without fortune smiling upon him. He called again and again at the Elms; but Nelly and her governess were always invisible, while Laura was still more gentle and retiring. Once he asked to see Nelly, and she was fetched down, evidently longing to take him into her confidence; but opportunity was not afforded; and at last one morning, with the feeling strong upon him that Laura was playing a part, and that he was being debarred from seeing Ella alone, Charley sat listening to the pleasant banter of Sir Philip over the breakfast-table, till, seeing his son's moody looks, the old gentleman became serious; for his conversation had all turned upon Charley's visits to the Elms, and his great love for woodland and meadow rambles. "Why, my dear boy," Sir Philip had said, "I'd no idea that I was going to make such a solemn fellow of you. Certainly matrimony should be taken _au serieux_; but I'm afraid the lady is hard to win." A few minutes after Sir Philip rose; for Charley had turned uneasily in his chair, so that his face was averted. "My dear Charley," said the old gentleman, going round the table, and making the young man start as he felt that loving hand laid upon his shoulder,--"my dear Charley, I have hurt your feelings in some way. Pray forgive me." Charley groaned. "My dear boy," said Sir Philip, "what does this mean? Surely my old-womanish babbling has not upset you like this! It was only lightly meant. Or is there something wrong?" Charley turned his face to his father's for an instant, but only to avert it again. "Is it anything to do with money, Charley?" said the old gentleman. "But pooh--nonsense! It isn't that, I know. Your personal expenses are ridiculously small. Why, I expected that by this time you would have half ruined yourself in jewellery presents. What is it, Charley? Can you not confide in me?"