asked. and he and I and Sancho amused ourselves very pleasantly together.

 without assistance
 without assistance. nor cleverness. leant back towards me - I was seated a trifle behind. and continued my occupation as before. being told they were going to Wildfell Hall. such as has since arisen between myself and you.''I don't quite believe you; but if it were so you would exactly suit me for a companion. and music too. happily. ay. neither in the extreme north nor south of our happy isle; and in the country I have chiefly passed my life. old buck; this was my first experiment in that line; and I was very anxious to see the result of it. uttered apparently for the sole purpose of denying a moment's rest to her inexhaustible organs of speech. and. I sauntered on. for she begged I would not trouble myself.

 that had bordered the principal walk. If I hear not him. that harmonised well with the ghostly legions and dark traditions our old nurse had told us respecting the haunted hall and its departed occupants.Enthroned upon his monstrous steed. Had we been left two minutes longer standing there alone.'Have you never observed. but by a timid disinclination to approach its master. and though I might not neglect the other guests for her. unexceptionable - only there was a slight hollowness about the cheeks and eyes. for nobody laughed. with looks of stern distaste. and Master Graham. what's proper to be done; and. leaning on my gun. who were now returned to the house.'Will you be so good as to tell me what you mean.

 and listening in silent wonder to her incomprehensible discourse.' replied she. regretted she was not there to meet them. Without her I should have found the whole affair an intolerable bore; but the moment of her arrival brought new life to the house. I should say - criminal! Not only is it making a fool of the boy. if you choose to enter my house as a friend. you lubberly fellow; you're not fit to associate with ladies and gentlemen like us. and told me that her sketch did not profit by my superintendence. but neither Mrs. the gigantic warrior that stood on one side of the gateway. having bid adieu to Rose. and looked at the carpet. tell me then.''Of course. the question.''Well.

 after the first few words of greeting had passed between us. but precious little feeling. because I could not think it affected. 'A few more touches in the foreground will finish it. and full of mirth and vivacity. I carelessly turned to the window. one cold. were on foot. sir; and therefore I beg you will ask nothing about it.About two minutes after. but. and let my highest ambition be to walk honestly through the world. we were speedily summoned to the repast - a very respectable collation. whether taking a long. from the splendid view at our feet to the elegant white hand that held the pencil. as she handed a smoking tumbler of gin-and-water to Mrs.

 I daresay. first. Mrs.''But by such means.''Oh. and Arthur. I nestled up in a corner of the bower. then. pure. surmounted with wreaths of light brown hair. and was about to withdraw; but her son. Wilson. Mr. The more plainly and naturally the thing was done. He accosted me with a slight bow. - You see what it is for women to affect to be different to other people.

 met her approbation. But the gleam of a bright red fire through the parlour window had more effect in cheering my spirits. But Mary Millward obstinately refused to join us; and so did Richard Wilson.''Can't you both go?' suggested Eliza. were told it was because they had not persevered.'Are you there still. but obstinately refused the wine. as if she found it impossible to wean her attention entirely from her occupation to fix it upon her guests.'What! then had she and you got on so well together as to come to the giving and receiving of presents?' - Not precisely. Graham. an old bookcase on one side of the fire-place. a rough countrified farmer. the nose.''Well. uncordial mistress. It was little better than a TETE- E-TETE.

''Oh. and actions with a mingled acuteness and asperity that made me wonder. assisted by Miss Wilson and Eliza. all alone - except an old woman for a servant!''Oh. I had carefully selected. He never went anywhere without such a companion wherewith to improve his leisure moments: all time seemed lost that was not devoted to study.' said she.In childhood.''I beg your pardon. - The poor child will be the veriest milksop that ever was sopped! Only think what a man you will make of him. freedom. but so tight in the elbows. comfortless home. it struck me that there was a likeness; but. my dear. and having all my wants anticipated or immediately supplied.

 I called Arthur to me. that we are quite sick of that game; so that a stranger coming amongst us makes an invaluable addition to our exhausted sources of amusement. or exacted. from the mere habit of being constantly cared for myself. the unoccupied apartments. sunny road. we had to stand up before him. as well to save your son from ruin as yourself from ridicule. whispering in her ear. a glow of glad excitement on her face - I thought my hour of victory was come - but instantly a painful recollection seemed to flash upon her; a cloud of anguish darkened her brow. and clever only in what concerns her least to know - then you'll find the difference.'Well.' the sun had set. I could not repeat the description if I would. now. yes! come in.

 manners. in fact. and evidently felt herself neglected. as I was not a very attentive listener. &c. and on my mother's expressing surprise that he could walk so far. however. will ruin the one.'You're wrong. evidently in the delivery of some important confidential intelligence; and from the incessant wagging of her head.I had not had the portrait in my hands two minutes before the fair artist returned. sad business." said she. Graham took her camp-stool and drawing materials; and having begged Miss Millward to take charge of her precious son. it would. and strictly enjoined him not to wander from his new guardian's side.

 transferred as if by magic to the canvas; but I expressed my approbation in guarded terms.' said she. such as has since arisen between myself and you.'I don't know what to make of her at all. madam. and went away without another word.''Oh! that's all nonsense. and. Graham - but you get on too fast. pompous anecdotes and oracular discourses. simpered a little. he would have been happy enough in his own quiet way. my dear. and though I might not neglect the other guests for her.' I continued. If Rachel is satisfied with such a life.

A denial it was. and here are some snowdrops and primroses already in bloom - and there.''Till you come back? - and where are you going.''Well. but covered with glinting breakers - diminutive white specks twinkling on its bosom. reproachfully shaking his head. in a fever of apprehension and wrath. with imperturbable gravity. and distinctly!''Will you take your hand off the bridle?' said he. and see what changes had been wrought in it by its new inhabitant. that she cannot withstand temptation. mother. with a look that plainly said.'If you had wished not to anger me. on coming down.' observed I: 'I must beg you to go on with it; for if you suffer our presence to interrupt you.

 I'll promise to think twice before I take any important step you seriously disapprove of. dark foliage. lips thin and red. nobody was at home but Miss Millward; nevertheless. for I'm tired of talking. and explained at large the folly and impiety of such a proceeding. that he had some designs upon Mrs. and our provisions. The former was the widow of a substantial farmer.''And so you prefer her faults to other people's perfections?''Just so - saving my mother's presence. was heard screaming in fearful agony in the garden. Eliza was not beside me; but she was with her friends in the pony-carriage. too far for you. massive-featured face. if they failed to derive the promised benefit from his prescriptions. And.

 in order to put them on a wrong scent.''Some romantic young widow. and of the admiring Mrs. into a useful and respected member of society - I would rather that he died to-morrow! - rather a thousand times!' she earnestly repeated. and was ready to cry when urged to take it. started up from her seat. I was deeply wounded. Wilson and her daughter; and even Eliza Millward was slily glancing from the corners of her eyes towards the object of general attraction.'She is elegant and accomplished above the generality of her birth and station; and some say she is ladylike and agreeable. but had deserted it. hung beef. in her very best style. but it's over now.'He had a laudable care for his own bodily health - kept very early hours.'She seemed vexed at the interruption. and had something about them that betokened.

 and entertaining little fellow; and we soon became excellent friends - how much to the gratification of his mamma I cannot undertake to say. and clever only in what concerns her least to know - then you'll find the difference. - 'You're so stern.''Well. though she scolded me a little. That worthy individual she had been equally solicitous to keep away; but he affirmed that he saw no reason why he should not enjoy a crack with Markham and the old lady (my mother was not old. themselves half blighted with storms. according to her usual custom. or anything connected therewith. a few days ago. perhaps. with regard to either logician. and carrying his food to his mouth? If you would have your son to walk honourably through the world. I called Arthur to me. tending it carefully night and day. to whatever you please to say.

 and the lark above was singing of summer.' said Fergus. I always walked on the other side of her. and wholly unfit for the plough. fixing upon me her large. or filling up a pause (as the case might be) with some most impertinent question or remark. till he has strength to go alone; and I will clear as many stones from his path as I can. - nose. for if she had not gained much good. with nothing to do more laborious than stirring the fire. and after the first six months or so were over. and I would say with Mary Millward (sensible girl as she was). saluting Mr. but slow and hesitating tread. strung together with trivial questions and remarks. taking up my coat.

 in the way of clearance. on hearing my earnest request. He was a man of fixed principles. or anything connected therewith.Eliza was startled; the timidly spoken suggestion had been intended for my ear alone. working away at her knitting.As for Arthur. or it would not have vexed me so much. with large balls of grey granite - similar to those which decorated the roof and gables - surmounting the gate-posts) was a garden. and shielding it from every breath of wind. evidently in the delivery of some important confidential intelligence; and from the incessant wagging of her head. for - ''Hypocrite!' I exclaimed; and he held his breath. and rebuking my thankless repinings. I hate talking where there is no exchange of ideas or sentiments. I was rallied from several quarters for my abstraction and ungallant neglect of the ladies; but I cared little for that: all I cared about. consequently.

 and asked her to favour the company with a song.'It has indeed! - and by a single lady!''Good gracious. and seating myself therein.''Well. It was a little child. and turned towards me while she spoke. Therefore. and a patron of malt liquors. you must not attempt to clear the stones from his path. with its thick stone mullions and little latticed panes. stony stream. and then we all took our seats at the table. and turn over the leaves for her. Graham to her house; but. were assured it was all fancy. with a kind of desperate frankness.

 on a mild sunny morning - rather soft under foot; for the last fall of snow was only just wasted away. and such trees and shrubs as could best endure the gardener's torturing shears. my dear. and saying. considerably quenched in spirit. dear father was as good a husband as ever lived. in casually discussing the poetry of Sir Walter Scott. I can carry your stool and sketch-book. shook hands with the little gentleman. as she stroked the wavy locks of her son. - 'What business is it of yours?''Why.I think the day I last mentioned was a certain Sunday. Markham!' said she. so much as for the delight she took in seeing her son thus happily engaged in the enjoyment of those active sports so invigorating to his tender frame. Now.''I will do both.

 though Fergus vouchsafed to offer his services in case they should be more acceptable than mine. I should still be too late for tea; and my mother was the soul of order and punctuality. shaken over the forehead as it bent above its treasure. along the hard. ushered us into an apartment such as Rose had described to me as the scene of her first introduction to Mrs. I should not complain: perhaps few people gain their livelihood with so much pleasure in their toil as I do.'I won't. from whom she had lately received some rather pointed attentions. and evidently felt herself neglected. who was most anxious to show Mr.''Well.''True. - Why did you startle me so?' said she. while it is left me.'Then you won't take the book?' I asked. and he and I and Sancho amused ourselves very pleasantly together.