"And if they come, they will spoil both our pleasure and our privacy;
say what you will, great people are a nuisance in a small village."

"To those who are situated like us, I grant it is unpleasant, but they
may do a great deal of good to their poor tenants. But, hark, it is
striking two,--our dinner hour,--mamma will wonder what is become of
us; there is a short cut through the Park, which we will take, it will
save, at least, a quarter of a mile." So through the Park they went,
and as they left it, to cross the road, a gentleman suddenly turned
the corner, and Mr. Barclay stood full before them.

"Why, Mr. Barclay," exclaimed Ethelind, "where, in the name of wonder,
did you come from? did you rise from the lake, or drop from the
clouds? I thought you were many miles away."

"And so I expected to be," said he, shaking hands with her, and bowing
to Beatrice, "but circumstances wholly unexpected, compelled me to
return."

"And are you going to remain?"

"For some months, I believe."

"I am really glad to hear it, and so, I am sure, will mamma be; but in
the agreeable surprise your unlooked for return gave, I forgot to
introduce Miss Trevor." The conversation now took a general turn, and
Mr. Barclay accompanied them to their door, where he only staid to
shake hands with Mrs. Fortescue, and then took his leave, promising to
return in the evening.