When I reached a point perhaps half a league from Sundridge, I saw a lady
and gentleman walking leisurely ahead of me. Her hand was on his arm, and
his head was bent toward her, evidently in earnest conversation. Her head
drooped prettily, indicating a listening mood, and the two seemed very
much like lovers in the early wooing stage. At once I recognized the
beautiful figure of my cousin Frances. The gentleman I did not know,
seeing only his back, though there was something familiar to me in the
tall, straight form, the broad shoulders, and the graceful carriage of
the head. He was a cavalier, every inch of him, from his long, dark,
slightly curling hair to the golden buckles on his shoes. He carried his
beaver hat in his hand, dragging the rich plume on the ground.
I hastened forward, but they were so interested in each other that they
did not know of my presence till I asked:--
"Cousin, won't you introduce me?"
Frances turned with a little scream, and the gentleman spun around
quickly, putting on his hat and dropping my cousin's hand, which he had
been holding. At first my surprise deprived me of the power to think, but
soon I recovered self-control, and said:--
"Ah, there is no need to introduce me, cousin. I already know Master
Hamilton."
"Yes," stammered the gentleman, holding out his hand, "Baron Ned and I
know each other well."
I did not take his hand, and when I saw anger mounting to his eyes, I
explained with the best smile at my command:--
"I do not take your hand, sir, because I have that to say to my cousin
which will greatly displease you.
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