Louis started at sight of the Duke, instantly remembering his promise to his guardian. Wharton wore the same careless, animated air, as when he first fascinated the imagination of his young admirer; and springing directly from the dull mass which surrounded him, seemed to Louis like a sun-beam shot from a heavy cloud. The next moment he found himself in the Duke's arms. "My dear de Montemar! This is unexpected pleasure! I thought only of refreshing my horses, little dreaming your uncle had provided this feast for their master!" Louis trembled and was silent. He wished his guardian had not exacted the promise, which, even at this moment, whispered he must not hearken to the captivating Wharton, but tear himself away. Louis did not reply; for he felt unable to say (what he was determined to do:) that he must instantly return to Lindisfarne. The Duke took his arm, and drew him to a distant part of the room. "De Montemar, I could sacrifice a hecatomb of my best Cumberland steers, for this blessed meeting! I have not seen any thing so after my own heart, since we parted; and yet I have been lamp in hand, day and night, in search of one of your stamp. I know you have a brave soul; and that it spurns a sleepy life, though your dreams should be of paradise!--When all are gone to bed, meet me to-night in the old library.--I have that to say to you, I would not have even a listening spider whisper to some of this herd." "Not even myself must listen to it!" replied Louis, making a strong effort to declare at once his intention; "Your Grace must pardon me, but I am this instant leaving the Castle." "Impossible!" cried the Duke, "you would not go for the wealth of Mexico, if you knew the matter I have to communicate." "No temptation must detain me!" replied Louis, with a smile that spoke of sacrifice; "I am under an engagement that cannot be broken." "That countenance," returned Wharton, laughing; "tells a different story!--You know the old proverb! _where there is a will, &c._; and I cannot doubt yours, since we pledged ourselves heart to heart on the bonnie braes of Glen Rannock!--Besides, I am here accidentally, and only for a short time. Under these circumstances, what engagement can be so serious, as ought to separate us at such a moment?" The Duke paused, and Louis blushed. It was almost for his venerable uncle; for he thought him severe against this resistless pleader.--Wharton resumed. "Come, de Montemar; let me write _man_ upon that candid brow. Not as your uncle Anthony would stamp it, in lees; nor as another uncle, perhaps, would mark it, with Saint Cuthbert's tonsure! My signet is of other impression." "Your signet is too true a one," returned Louis, "to obliterate a _word of honour_! and I have given mine to my uncle of Lindisfarne to----," he hesitated.--Could he tell the noble Wharton, that he had solemnly promised never to remain willingly under the same roof with him?