"But why not to-morrow, Miss Wetheral? Why cannot we begin our tour to-morrow?" "I believe the Duke of Forfar calls at Fairlee to-morrow," she replied. "Will that detain _you_?" said her companion, looking at her with a smile. "Not altogether--no. Lord Farnborough said something about coming too; and, as he named the time, I think perhaps I ought to remain at home." "I do not know the nature of the understanding implied by the mention of the intended visit to you," observed Sir John Spottiswoode, "therefore I cannot offer an opinion." "Oh! there was nothing implied--no absolute--I made no promise of any kind." "You did not engage to remain at Fairlee?" "Certainly not--no, I may say, certainly not." "Then let us proceed on our little tour to-morrow." Christobelle was caught in her own mesh. She had assuredly made no engagement--no actual engagement; but there was an implied consent on her part to Lord Farnborough's hope of finding her at home. She had not courage to confess this to Sir John Spottiswoode--and why was she guilty of evasion? She must now relinquish all thought of meeting Lord Farnborough at Fairlee. Christobelle sat meditating her disappointment for some moments. "Miss Wetheral," said her companion, after a short silence, "did you ever see Lord Farnborough before the meeting of this morning?" Christobelle started at the sound of Lord Farnborough's name, but she answered truly, "Never." "Are you acquainted with his lordship's character?" "No, indeed; my only knowledge of Lord Farnborough began, and may perhaps end, in this morning's interview." "Lord Farnborough's character at college was designated as fair and false," observed Sir John Spottiswoode. "Was it!" "A fellow-collegian of his lordship's, Beverly, resides near Alverton. He gave me the character I now describe to you." Christobelle felt uncomfortable at Sir John Spottiswoode's information. It is always painful to hear depreciating accounts of those we admire, or from whom we have received kindness. She knew nothing of Lord Farnborough--his lordship was nothing to her; but she regretted so agreeable a person should prove otherwise than estimable. Could Mr. Beverly's testimony be depended upon? Character should not be lightly treated: if Lord Farnborough's character was at the mercy of Mr. Beverly, it was but fair to ascertain Mr. Beverly's claims to belief. Under this impression, Christobelle hastily uttered her thoughts, after a second pause. "Pray, Sir John, who is Mr. Beverly?" "A neighbour in Worcestershire, and one of the best fellows in England. Why do you ask?" "Because I think your friend is ungenerous, in speaking harshly of Lord Farnborough, who perhaps never offended him." "Beverly was once deeply offended by Lord Farnborough," replied Sir John Spottiswoode. "Therefore, your friend is revengeful," she answered, quickly.