"Hallo! you young varlet; where are you going so early in the morning?"

Herbert answered faintly, "I am going with Miss Reef to the lake."

The gentleman at this reply waved his jewelled hand gracefully toward me.
"Miss Reef, I am happy to make your acquaintance. So you are the young
lady who has undertaken to be bored with my little nephew?"

"He is not a bore," said I, smilingly, captivated by the grace and
abandon of the traveller. And truly his handsome countenance might have
captivated a girl more experienced in the world's ways than myself. His
was a gay, spirited face, complexion fair and rosy; full red lips, graced
with a curling moustache; golden locks fit for an Adonis; sunny, dancing
eyes, and a figure rather massive, but well formed. Such was the
impression I received of this "Uncle Richard."

"Allow me to give you a seat in my brougham," said he.

I thanked him, but refused.

"Bound on some romantic expedition," he said, laughing; "I can see it in
your beaming eyes. Well, I suppose I must continue my solitary drive; but
don't tarry long at the dismal lake; hasten back, as I shall want a
companion to chat with in the empty Hall."

I found Herbert unwilling to talk about his uncle, so I tried to dismiss
the new comer from my thoughts, and engaged with my pupil in gathering
wild flowers and grasses wherewith to form wreaths and bouquets to adorn
our school-room. After rambling about for an hour, we turned homeward.