"What! you, sir? So early? Hark, the clock is striking five!"

"Not later! I have walked well for a lame man. It must be more than
four miles to--and back."

"You have been to--? Not on business? No soul would be up."

"Yes, at inns there is always some one up. Hostlers never sleep! I
have been to order my humble chaise and pair. I leave you today,
nephew."

"Ah, uncle, we have offended you! It was my folly, that cursed print--"

"Pooh!" said my uncle, quickly. "Offended me, boy? I defy you!" and he
pressed my hand roughly.

"Yet this sudden determination! It was but yesterday, at the Roman
Camp, that you planned an excursion with my father, to C------ Castle."

"Never depend upon a whimsical man. I must be in London tonight."

"And return to-morrow?"

"I know not when," said my uncle, gloomily; and he was silent for some
moments. At length, leaning less lightly on my arm, he continued:
"Young man, you have pleased me. I love that open, saucy brow of yours,
on which Nature has written 'Trust me.' I love those clear eyes, that
look one manfully in the face. I must know more of you--much of you.
You must come and see me some day or other in your ancestors' ruined