The day was delightful; one of those grey summer-days, that are far better for an excursion than bright ones.  In the best of spirits, mounted on a good horse, riding alongside of the carriage in which was the lady who was all womankind to him, and who, without taking much notice of him, yet contrived to throw him a glance now and then, Hugh would have been overflowingly happy, but for an unquiet, distressed feeling, which all the time made him aware of the presence of a sick conscience somewhere within.  Mr. Arnold was exceedingly pleasant, for he was much taken with the sweetness and modesty of Lady Emily, who, having no strong opinions upon anything, received those of Mr. Arnold with attentive submission.  He saw, or fancied he saw in her, a great resemblance to his deceased wife, to whom he had been as sincerely attached as his nature would allow.  In fact, Lady Emily advanced so rapidly in his good graces, that either Euphra was, or thought fit to appear, rather jealous of her.  She paid her every attention, however, and seemed to gratify Mr. Arnold by her care of the invalid.  She even joined in the entreaties which, on their way home, he made with evident earnestness, for an extension of their visit to a month.  Lady Emily was already so much better for the change, that Mrs. Elton made no objection to the proposal.  Euphra gave Hugh one look of misery, and, turning again, insisted with increased warmth on their immediate consent.  It was gained without much difficulty before they reached home.

Harry, too, was captivated by the gentle kindness of Lady Emily, and hardly took his eyes off her all the way; while, on the other hand, his delicate little attentions had already gained the heart of good Mrs. Elton, who from the first had remarked and pitied the sad looks of the boy.

CHAPTER XVI.

A new visitor and an old acquaintance.

He’s enough
To bring a woman to confusion,
More than a wiser man, or a far greater.

Middleton.—­The Witch.

When they reached the lodge, Lady Emily expressed a wish to walk up the avenue to the house.  To this Mr. Arnold gladly consented.  The carriage was sent round the back way; and Hugh, dismounting, gave his horse to the footman in attendance.  As they drew near the house, the rest of the party having stopped to look at an old tree which was a favourite with its owner, Hugh and Harry were some yards in advance; when the former spied, approaching them from the house, the distinguished figure of Herr von Funkelstein.  Saluting as they met, the visitor informed Hugh that he had just been leaving his card for him, and would call some other morning soon; for, as he was rusticating, he had little to occupy him.  Hugh turned with him towards the rest of the party, who were now close at hand; when Funkelstein exclaimed, in a tone of surprise,