"It is nothing; a mere passing headache. I am somewhat subject to them since I caught a fever in India," answered L'Estrange, in a choking voice; and walking to the sideboard he poured out a glass of cold water and drank it, remarking, "I shall be better by-and-by. I hope you are well, Miss Ravensworth, after your fatigues yesterday." "I am very well, thank you; though I had not the best of nights. I do not know what kept me awake." "Nor I, either, Ellen," said Lady Florence. "What a noise there was! I am sure I heard some one up very late; it was like John's step." L'Estrange shuddered again, as he saw Ellen's smiling brow, and then thought how he, like a fiend, was to change her joy to wretchedness! It was not long before the whole party assembled round the breakfast-table, on which was spread a regular Scotch breakfast, with strawberries and other summer fruits, besides the usual dainties. "What is the order of the day?" asked the Captain. "Everyone to his own taste, I believe," answered the Earl. "For myself, business takes me to Edinburgh." "Whither I will accompany you," said the Marquis. "Most of us ladies are going out riding; who will gallant us?" "I shall have much pleasure," said Sir Richard; "especially if you grace the party with your fair presence, Lady Florence." "And I." "And I," said Scroop and another young officer. "I shall ride, too, then," said Johnny. "That is as we please, Master Johnny," answered Lady Florence. "I," said the Duke, "shall amuse myself in a quieter manner by seeing the gardens and hot-houses. Will you come, Mr. Lennox? and you, Mr. Ravensworth? We are the three steady ones." "I never knew your Grace was steady," said the Earl. "I shall have the utmost satisfaction," said Mr. Lennox, "being myself a great connoisseur in horticulture." "I too shall consider myself at your Grace's service." "Just as you please, Mr. Ravensworth." "I am going a-fishing. Who comes with me?" asked Captain Wilson. "Though I can stick on a horse, I do not like the thoroughbreds here very much, and prefer angling. Will you come, Captain?" The Captain stared, without replying; and Lady Edith answered for her brother. "John never goes fishing, Captain Wilson; he thinks it far too slow. If Frank was here, he is a zealous disciple of old Walton's gentle art. I fear you will have to angle alone." "No matter, Lady Arranmore, I am well accustomed to my own company." Breakfast over, the various followers of various amusements departed. The Earl and Marquis rode off to town; the Duke and his two friends walked to find the head gardener; Captain Wilson set off with an under-keeper for the burn, rod in hand; and the young ladies, including the Marchioness and her sister, as well as Ellen Ravensworth, retired to accoutre themselves for their ride, whilst their beaux strolled to the stables to select their horses, with Wilton's aid.