It was not to be supposed that their acquaintance would end here, after the pleasures of the morning. His lordship entreated permission to wait upon Miss Wetheral at Fairlee, and he hoped to renew the happiness of the last two hours in many agreeable walks and drives in the splendid scenes of Lochleven. Christobelle trusted Lord Farnborough's polite wishes might indeed be fulfilled; she was quite willing to be pleased by the society of a pleasant young man, whose conversation was so entertaining, and who appeared to be so gifted in the arts of music, painting, and poetry--arts so admired and valued by her taste. She told his lordship she was sure her mother would receive his visits with pleasure. "But will _you_ receive them with pleasure?" he asked, as the little vessel glided into the cove from which it embarked; "will _you_, Miss Wetheral, admit my visits with pleasure, and allow me sometimes to join you in your walks and musings?" How could Christobelle object? yet she made no reply, or even answered his appealing look. The young lord's countenance fell. "You will not speak to me, Miss Wetheral; you will not say I am welcome at Fairlee sometimes." "My mother will be glad to see you, I am sure, Lord Farnborough," she replied, confusedly, a second time. "My wish is to join you occasionally in your rides, Miss Wetheral, and _you_ must assure me I shall not be considered an intruder." Christobelle's confusion increased at this speech, and at the earnest look which Lord Farnborough cast upon her. She could only stammer forth an assurance that she must be very happy also to see his lordship whenever he paid a visit to Fairlee; and that assurance gave her companion confidence to urge the necessity of escorting her to the very door of her home. This Christobelle declined, with a seriousness which forbade remonstrance; she had Janet with her, and Fairlee lay too near the lake to allow of any fears for her safety. She, therefore, took leave of his lordship, as he assisted her to quit the little vessel which belonged to the Cove of Fairlee, and which her father dedicated to her exclusive use. Lord Farnborough lingered a few moments. "Miss Wetheral, we shall meet again before the party to St. Mungo's Isle takes place." "When may we expect you at Fairlee, my lord?" "To-morrow. Promise me you will not go out till I come." "I seldom leave the grounds before two o'clock. Remember the effusions you promised I should see." "Will you read them, and judge a poor poet mercifully?" "I shall say exactly what I think, my lord." "Then I stand condemned at once." "Perhaps not; adieu, my lord!" "But one moment, Miss Wetheral. How anxious you are to escape!" "I have left my mother some hours alone. I must return to her, and account for my absence, Lord Farnborough." "It is not anxiety then to leave me, to get rid of me, Miss Wetheral?" "No, indeed!"