’That is worth writing to tell Fitzjocelyn!  It will be a great disappointment if they have to stay abroad all this winter; but he seems to think it the only chance of his father getting thoroughly well, so I suppose there is little hope of him.  I should like for him to see Kitty as she is now, she is so excessively droll!’

’Yes; and it must be a great deprivation to have to leave all his farm to itself, just as it is looking so well; only he makes himself happy with whatever he is doing.’

‘How he would enjoy this evening!  I never saw more perfect rest!’

’Yes;—­the sounds of the town come through the air in a hush! and the very star seems to twinkle quietly!’

They stood still without speaking to enjoy that sense of stillness and refreshment, looking up through the chestnut boughs that overshadowed the deep dewy lane, where there was not air enough even to waft down the detached petals of the wild rose.

‘Such moments as these must be meant to help one on,’ said James, ’to hinder daily life from running into drudgery.’

’And it is so delightful to have a holiday given, now and then, instead of having a life all holiday.  Ah! there’s a glow-worm—­look at the wonder of that green lamp!’

‘I must show it to Kitty,’ said James, taking it up on a cushion of moss.

’Her acquaintance will begin earlier than mine.  Do you remember showing me my first glow-worm at Beauchastel?  I used to think that the gem of my walks, before I knew better.  It is a great treat to have poor Walter here in the holidays, so good and pleasant; but I must say one charm is the pleasure of being alone together afterwards.’

’A pleasure it is well you do not get tired of, my dear, and I am afraid it will soon be over for the present.  I do believe that is Richardson behind us!  An attorney among the glow-worms is more than I expected.’

‘Good evening, sir,’ said the attorney, coming up with them; ’is Mrs. Frost braving the dew?’ And then, after some moments, ’Have you heard from your sister lately, Mr. Frost?’

‘About three weeks ago.’

‘She did not mention then,’ said Mr. Richardson, hesitating, ’Mr. Dynevor’s health?’

‘No!  Have you heard anything?’

’I thought you might wish to be aware of what I learnt from, I fear, too good authority.  It appears that Mr. Dynevor paid only a part of the purchase-money of the estate, giving security for the rest on his property in Peru; and now, owing to the failure of the Equatorial Steam Navigation Company, Mr. Dynevor is, I fear, actually insolvent.’

‘Did you say he was ill?’

’I heard mentioned severe illness—­paralytic affection; but as you have not heard from Miss Clara, I hope it may be of no importance.’

After a few more inquiries, and additional information being elicited, good-nights were exchanged, and Mr. Richardson passed on.  At first neither spoke, till Isabel said—­