"Farnborough is offended in earnest," observed Captain Ponsonby, "and the gentle syrens are to suffer. Miss Wetheral, you have put a feud between me and my noble guest." "I am sorry, Captain Ponsonby, if any thing unpleasant should arise between you and my lord. It is altogether innocently done on my part." "Oh! yes, you look so dove-like and so guileless, and yet you wield such warfare." "Lord Farnborough appears easily irritated." "Farnborough has been used to such easy conquests, that he resents the appearance of indifference. You have piqued him, Miss Wetheral; nevertheless, I am concerned to see the Miss Greys climbing the path alone in this rain. This is an unexpected termination to our agreeable day. It has been a really delightful day to me." "Lochleven can never disappoint its visitors, Captain Ponsonby; even in this rain how beautiful it is!" "Lochleven would, though, if certain persons and things did not combine to please me. I have enjoyed myself to-day--but you were my companion; I was with you at dinner--on the wall of the ruin--every where; and I have spent an extremely captivating day. I wonder what kind of day Farnborough will represent it?" "As very agreeable, no doubt." "I differ with you, Miss Wetheral. Fanny and your friend have seven league boots on, I fancy--how they are bounding on! I admire your friend, Miss Wetheral--fine, handsome fellow, only he looks melancholy." "Does he?" "Yes; his eyes were fixed upon your hand a full half hour at dinner--an hour, as we sat talking, and all the voyage; yet, like Lady Macbeth, his eyes were open, but their sense was closed. He has a lady-love in the south." Christobelle started at Captain Ponsonby's suggestion. Impossible! she would not believe it! She never heard such a thing alluded to. If Sir John Spottiswoode loved in the south, Mrs. Pynsent would have named it. How came Captain Ponsonby to imagine such folly! The very supposition of Sir John's attachment, however, created pain, and chilled her into silence. Captain Ponsonby's conversation soon became wearisome, and she was glad when they reached Clanmoray. It was a relief to find Lord Farnborough absent, and still more a relief to perceive the second party approaching in the distance. She wanted to be at Fairlee, to enjoy rest, and silence, and free communion with her thoughts. Captain Ponsonby's spirits were oppressive, and his polite anxiety amounted to absolute annoyance. Christobelle was ill, and restless, and eager to return home.