Mr. Wycherly's voice resounded through the hall, calling for his daughter. "I say Pen!--here! halloo, Pen!" "I cannot meet him with these red eyes," hastily observed Miss Wycherly. "My dear dear Julia, do speak for me!" Julia joined Mr. Wycherly in the hall, who politely apologised for his vociferation; he was not aware of her presence at Lidham; he was only calling on Pen, to order some bread and cheese for Spottiswoode, and one or two hungry dogs, who would not dismount; but the servants were gone for the refreshments, and he would not detain her, or tease Pen, who was any thing but well. "If Mr. Spottiswoode is at the hall-door, I should like much to see him for a few moments," was Julia's observation. "He is here, and Tyndal, father and son. I can't get any of them to dismount; when they see you, Miss Julia, one or two may change their mind, and prefer eating in-doors. I'll tell Spottiswoode you are here; or if you take my arm and show yourself, the effect will be greater." Julia accompanied Mr. Wycherly to the door, and, after a few general compliments had passed, she addressed herself particularly to Mr. Spottiswoode, in a low voice. "Mr. Spottiswoode, I wish to speak with you; can you leave your party?" "Certainly; I shall feel honoured by any command from you." Mr. Spottiswoode dismounted, and gave his horse to one of the Lidham grooms. "There!" cried Mr. Wycherly. "I told you so, Miss Julia, I told you what would happen, didn't I? Tyndal is good for nothing, but his son will follow the lead." It was Mr. John Tyndal who accompanied his father, and they were not able to accept the tempting invitation--"they would just take a hurried snack upon their horses, and proceed; would Wycherly join them?" "And leave Spottiswoode to the ladies' care?" "To be sure; Spottiswoode was a lady's man, and they were always petted animals." "Well, Miss Julia," said Mr. Wycherly, "I give Spottiswoode into your hands, and you are responsible for consequences. Pen and you will entertain him as long as he behaves well." Julia promised to be his guardian angel, and she proceeded with Mr. Spottiswoode to the sitting-room, where Miss Wycherly was lying extended upon the sofa, thoughtful and hopeless of ever seeing happy days again, if they were to be purchased by her own submission. She rose slowly as the door opened. "What a time you have been flirting with papa, Julia!" she exclaimed, reproachfully. At that moment she perceived Mr. Spottiswoode, and a cry of surprise burst from her lips, but she did not advance to receive him. Mr. Spottiswoode stood near the door, and, resenting the coldness of his reception, he spoke only to Julia. "Miss Wetheral, you wished to speak with me; may I beg the favour of your communication?" "It is comprised in few words, Mr. Spottiswoode. My friend Penelope is distressed and grieved at having given you unprovoked offence, and she pines to recover your esteem."