As the eyes of the new comer, after closely scanning Reynolds, rested for the first time upon Ella, there flashed across his ugly features an expression of admiration and surprise—­while the look of suspicion which he had previously exhibited, seemed entirely to disappear.  Turning to the young man, who on his appearance had risen from his seat, and now stood as if waiting to know his commands, in a voice evidently much softened from its usual tones, but still by no means pleasant and harmonious, he said: 

“Will you be kind enough to inform me, sir, to whom this dwelling belongs?”

“It is owned, I believe, by one Benjamin Younker,” answered Algernon, in a cavalier manner, still eyeing the other closely.

“May I ask his occupation?”

“He is a farmer, sir—­a tiller of the soil.”

“Will you favor me with a description of his personal appearance?”

“I can do so,” replied Algernon, somewhat surprised at the question, “provided I know the motive of inquiry to be a good one.”

“It is no other, I assure you,” returned the stranger.  “It was simply prompted by curiosity.”

“Well, then, the individual in question is a man who has seen more than fifty years—­is tall, raw-boned, muscular, has a stoop in the shoulder, a long, thin face, small eyes, and hair slightly gray.”

“Has he any sons?” inquired the stranger.

“One, a youth of twenty, who bears a strong resemblance to his father.”

“Daughters?”

“He has no other child.”

“Then this young lady”—­slightly bowing to Ella.

“Is a more distant relation—­a niece,” answered Ella, rising as she spoke and disappearing from his sight.

“A beautiful creature!” said the stranger, musingly, as if to himself—­“a beautiful creature!  Pardon me,” added he, again addressing Algernon; “but may I inquire concerning yourself?”

“I am a guest here, sir.”

“Aha—­yes; a hunter I presume?”

“I sometimes hunt.”

“Pardon me again—­but are there more indwellers here than you have mentioned?”

“One, sir—­the good dame of the cottage.”

For a moment or two the stranger mused, as if running over in his mind all that had been said; and then observed: 

“Doubtless you think me very inquisitive; but I had a reason for all my questions; and I thank you sincerely, sir, for your prompt replies.  It is now growing late; the sun will presently be down; and as I am a traveler—­a stranger in this region—­I would rather not pursue my journey further, providing I could be entertained here for the night.”

“As to that, I am unable to answer,” said Algernon; “but if you will step within, I will make the necessary inquiries.”

“Thank you,” replied the stranger, with a show of cordiality; “thank you;” and he immediately entered the cottage.