But Anthony Pennell’s great charm lay in his unassuming manner and modest judgment of his own work. His triumphs were much more astonishing to him than to his friends. In person, he was less handsome than his cousin Ralph Pullen, but much more manly looking, having been a distinguished athlete in his College days, and still finding his best recreation on the cricket field and the golf ground. He was very fair, with a white skin, embrowned here and there by sun and outdoor exercise--short, curly hair--a fine figure, standing six foot high, and the bluest of blue eyes. He was smoking in his own chambers late that afternoon, when he received a telegram from Margaret Pullen, “Can you come over this evening?” and as soon as he had changed his lounging coat, he obeyed her summons. CHAPTER XII. Anthony Pennell was a very fresh, pleasant, and good-looking presentment of a young English gentleman, as he entered the room where Margaret was sitting with Doctor Phillips that evening. It had been arranged between them beforehand, that as little as need be should be confided to him of Harriet Brandt’s former history. All that was necessary for him to know, was the danger that threatened to blast the future happiness of Ralph Pullen and Elinor Leyton. “Well! Mrs. Pullen,” he said, as he shook hands cordially with Margaret and the doctor, “and what important business is it, that you want to consult me upon? I thought, at the very least, that I should meet my cousin Arthur here!” “If I had had Arthur, perhaps I should not have needed you,” replied Margaret, with a faint smile. “But really, Mr. Pennell, I am in want of advice sorely, and the Doctor agreed with me that you would be the best person to whom I could apply!” “I am at your service, Madam!” said the young man, gaily, as he seated himself. Then she told him the story of Harriet Brandt--how Ralph had met her at the Lion d’Or, and devoted his time to her--and how she was persecuting him with letters, and had threatened to follow him to the Camp and interview him there. “And it must be put a stop to, you know, Mr. Pennell,” she concluded, “not only for Ralph’s sake and Elinor’s, but for the sake of the Walthamstowes and my husband. I am sure that Arthur would be exceedingly annoyed at any scandal of that sort, and especially as Lord Walthamstowe is so old a friend of his family!” Anthony Pennell had looked very grave during her recital. After a pause he said, “Are you sure that Ralph has not given this young lady good cause to run after him?”