As for Duncan's hideous white brick castle, with its paltry half-dozen
acres, entered by lodges of the utmost pretension, and his coach-houses
full of flashy carriages, with the family coat-of-arms(!) upon each, I
thought the whole place one of the most contemptible patches of snobbery
on this fair earth; and I was glad my father's toil-bleared eyes were
hid in the grave, so that they should not have the shame of resting upon
it.

In spite of what I thought, however, I did my best to keep a solemn face
at Paul's smart speeches, which were often amusing, and often simply
impudence.

Duncan, as of yore, went as though he saw him not.

I had not been at Duncan's palace long before I came to the conclusion
that there was some private understanding betwixt the two young people;
and, at last, just before I left, my suspicions were confirmed.

Hastily pushing open the library door, which stood ajar, I saw Paul with
his back to me, at the end of the room, looking into the conservatory.
He had evidently just entered from the garden. "Janet," he called, in a
voice the import of which there could be no mistaking; and with a rush,
I heard several pots crash; Janet, who had no doubt happened to have her
head turned the other way, sprang into view, and threw herself into his
arms.

I quietly withdrew, and went away very, very happy. I knew Paul had a
promise of a first-rate appointment abroad, by-and-by; and supposing I
should hear more of this before long, I went placidly away home to the