"He is in pursuit of some other party, I fancy," replied Elinor. "It is Charlie Hubbard coming to join us; did we forget to mention that he came up the river with us?" said Harry, who was following Elinor, with Mrs. Creighton and Mr. Stryker. The young painter soon reached them, as they immediately stopped to welcome him; he was very kindly received by his old friends. "Well, Charlie, my boy," said Mr. Wyllys, "if Harry had not been here to vouch for your identity, I am not sure but I should have taken you for an exiled Italian bandit. Have you shown those moustaches at Longbridge?" "Yes, sir;" replied Charlie, laughing. "I surprised my mother and sister by a sight of them, some ten days since; it required all their good-nature, I believe, to excuse them." "I dare say they would have been glad to see you, if you had come back looking like a Turk," said Elinor. "I am determined not to shave for some months, out of principle; just to show my friends that I am the same Charlie Hubbard with moustaches that I was three years ago without them." "I suppose you consider it part of your profession to look as picturesque as our stiff-cut broadcloth will permit," said Mr. Wyllys. "If you really suspect me of dandyism, sir," said Charlie, "I shall have to reform at once." "I am afraid, Mr. Hubbard, that you have forgotten me," observed Mr. Ellsworth; "though I passed a very pleasant morning at your rooms in New York, some years since." Charlie remembered him, however; and also made his bow to Mrs. Creighton and Mr. Stryker. "And how did you leave the Mediterranean, sir?" asked Mr. Stryker, in a dry tone. "Was the sea in good looks?" "As blue as ever. I am only afraid my friends in this country will not believe the colour I have given it in my sketches." "We are bound to believe all your representations of water," remarked Mr. Wyllys. "I hope you have brought back a great deal for us to see; have you anything with you here?" asked Elinor. "Only my sketch-book. I would not bring anything else; for I must get rid of my recollections of Italy. I must accustom my eye again to American nature; I have a great deal to do with Lake George, this summer." "But you must have something in New York," said Miss Wyllys. "Yes; I have brought home with me samples of water, from some of the most celebrated lakes and rivers in Europe." "That is delightful," said Elinor; "and when can we see them?" "As soon as they are unpacked, I shall be very happy to show them to my friends. They will probably interest you on account of the localities; and I have endeavoured to be as faithful to nature as I could, in every instance. You will find several views familiar to you, among the number," added Charlie, addressing Hazlehurst. "I have no doubt that you have done them justice."