"I wish you would stay and never leave us; I am happy enough in having
Frances; if I had you as well, my happiness would be complete. You have
all you want, John; I will send your portmanteau."

When Lance had gone I looked round my room and fell in love with it. It
had the charm of old fashion, of elegance, of space, of height, and from
the windows there was a magnificent view of the park and the gardens.

"Lance must indeed be a happy man." I thought to myself.

He came to me when I was dressed and we went out for a stroll through
the gardens.

"We shall hear the dinner-bell," said Lance. "We will not go too far."

We saw the stately equipage of Lady Ledbitter driven down the avenue.

"Thank Heaven!" said Lance. "Now Frances is free. She will have gone to
her room. That good Lady Ledbitter has robbed us of a pleasant hour."

I was surprised and delighted at the magnificence of the grounds. I had
never dreamed that Dutton manor-house was so extensive or so beautiful.

"The great artist, Lilias, is coming here next week," said Lance. "I
want him to paint my wife's portrait. She will make a superb picture,
and when completed, that picture shall have the place of honor here in
the drawing-room. You will enjoy meeting him; he is a most intelligent,
amiable man."