Tom Pynsent was serious when he engaged to make an early appearance. He arrived earlier at Wetheral than even Lady Wetheral could expect him, and her smiles were proportionably bland and expressive. Tom Pynsent would have detected and laughed at the affectionate reception which awaited him, had his heart been free to seek amusement in the hopes and fears of Lady Wetheral; but the scene was changed. The parent, anxious for a daughter's establishment, was, in Tom Pynsent's eyes, his prop and stay against the forthcoming proposal; and Lady Wetheral, the "well-known manœuvrer," was at this time only Julia's mother and his kind well-wisher. In short, Tom Pynsent was caught; and, like other keen-sighted men of fortune, he was perfectly upon his guard, when no danger threatened his heart; but every firm resolution melted, when his eye was pleased, and his fancy gratified. He was now on the eve of proposing to Julia Wetheral, in spite of his determination never to bow the knee to a Wetheral, or to be "hooked" by her ladyship's gracious compliments. Poor Tom Pynsent! he fell honourably at the very head of his thousand determinations never to visit Wetheral Castle but as an amusement, and never to flirt with a daughter of that house but as a means of raising false hopes in the lady mother's anxious bosom. "Men's faiths are wafer-cakes." Lady Wetheral affected to be entirely ignorant of the cause of Tom Pynsent's early visit. "Mr. Pynsent so very early in the field! it must indeed be a hunting appointment. Sir John will be delighted;" and she held out her hand, smiling a million agreeable welcomes. "Where are my daughters? they did not expect you so soon, I dare say. Lord Ennismore has escorted them walking, probably." Tom Pynsent was disappointed at Julia's absence, but he only looked bewildered. "I wish to see Sir John as soon as possible, Lady Wetheral; I came early on purpose to see him; perhaps I may find him in his study; shall I proceed there?" "By all means, my dear Mr. Pynsent, unless you allow me to summon Sir John to us. Am I _de trop_?" "Oh! no, not _that_," answered Tom Pynsent, becoming somewhat disordered; "you will hear it in time, so you may as well be present, only--" "Let me lead the way then, my dear Mr. Pynsent;" and she proceeded towards the door of the study. Sir John was seated in his arm-chair, looking over a package of new books; and, for a minute or two, he did not recognize Mr. Pynsent. Lady Wetheral was shocked. "Sir John, you do not appear to remember our friend Mr. Pynsent, who is anxious to see you. What is the study, my love, which so engrosses your faculties?" Sir John rose, and received Tom Pynsent with his usual quiet politeness. "I did not immediately recollect you, sir; I hope your family are well, Mr. Pynsent; be seated, if you please." Tom Pynsent glanced at the chair which was advanced towards him, but he remained standing with a red face and an embarrassed manner.