"And I add my congratulations, and the same wish, Mr George Harrington," said the doctor, shaking one hand as his colleague shook the other; "but," he added to himself, "as to the friendship, I have my doubts." "And now it is my turn, Cousin George," said Saul Harrington, advancing with extended hand. "I apologise for playing the British bulldog to you, but you were a stranger, and you will be the last to blame me for showing a bold front in defence of your patrimony." "To be sure, Cousin Saul. How are you, old fellow? Stop and let's all dine together. No more business to-day, I hope. Let's have a glass of wine--champagne--and, Cousin Saul, suppose you and I have a good long talk over a cigar." "We will," said Saul, as they stood hand in hand, eye gazing into eye, and, singularly enough, with similar thoughts agitating each breast. For the successor to the estate left by the original of the picture on the wall said to himself: "If we were out in some parts of the West, Saul Harrington, any office would find it a bad spec to insure your life." And Saul thought: "If this man had not come back, I was master here--of the house, of the money, and of--" He stopped and gazed hard across the room, for at that moment, looking flushed and handsome, Gertrude stood hesitating at the doorway, as if asking if she might come in. "Yes," said Saul to himself, and as if in conclusion of his unfinished thought, "and of you, too." CHAPTER TEN. TWO WARNINGS. Time soon slips by. "Nonsense, my dear! why should we study the world? You know what my grandfather said." "Yes, George," said Gertrude, with a peculiarly troubled look in her eyes. "And very wisely; and as soon as you like to say you are ready, why, I am, and the world may go and hang itself." The troubled look in Gertrude's eyes deepened, for the free and easy manner of her betrothed shocked her. "You don't dislike me, Gertie?" he said, laughing. "No; oh, no," she replied, looking at him wistfully. "I know," he cried, taking her hand. "You have only, as we may say, known me a month, and you think me too rough and ready to show so much of the American camp-life; but that will soon wear off. You are such a good, gentle little thing, you'll soften me, and it will be all right." "Going out, George?" "Yes; I promised to run down to Greenwich with Saul Harrington. Not a bad fellow when you know him better. I say, how long are Mr and Mrs Hampton going to stay here?" "I don't know, George." "It's to play propriety, I suppose." "Mrs Hampton has always been very kind to me, and I know it inconveniences her to be here." "Then let her go." "She has asked me to go and stay with her, George." "Then don't go. I see: let her stay here. I'm rather sick of all this prudery, though. Better name the day, Gertie, and let's get it over." "No, no; not yet, George. Give me a little time."