Thus it was with the family of Mr. Markland at the time of our introduction to them.  We have not described each individual with minuteness, but sufficiently indicated to give them a place in the reader’s mind.  The lights and shadows will be more strongly marked hereafter.

The effect of Mr. Allison’s conversation was, as has been seen, to leave Markland in a still more dissatisfied state of mind.  After various fruitless efforts to get interested in what was around him, and thus compel self-forgetfulness, he thought of some little matter in the city that required his attention, and forthwith ordered the carriage.

“I shall not be home till evening,” he said, as he parted with his wife.

During the day, Mrs. Markland paid another visit to the humble home of Mrs. Elder, and ministered as well to her mental as to her bodily wants.  She made still closer inquiries about her daughter’s family; and especially touching the husband’s character for industry, intelligence, and trustworthiness.  She had a purpose in this; for the earnest desire expressed by Mrs. Elder to have her daughter with her, had set Mrs. Markland to thinking about the ways and means of effecting the wished-for object.  The poor woman was made happier by her visit.

It was near sundown when the carriage was observed approaching through the long, shaded avenue.  Mrs. Markland and all the children stood in the porch, to welcome the husband and father, whose absence, though even for the briefest period, left for their hearts a diminished brightness.  As the carriage drew nearer, it was seen to contain two persons.

“There is some one with your father,” said Mrs. Markland, speaking to Fanny.

“A gentleman—­I wonder who it can be?”

“Your Uncle George, probably.”

“No; it isn’t Uncle George,” said Fanny, as the carriage reached the oval in front of the house, and swept around towards the portico.  “It’s a younger man; and he is dressed in black.”

Further conjecture was suspended by the presence of the individual in regard to whom they were in doubt.  He was a stranger, and Mr. Markland presented him as Mr. Lyon, son of an old and valued business correspondent, residing in Liverpool.  A cordial welcome awaited Mr. Lyon at Woodbine Lodge, as it awaited all who were introduced by the gentlemanly owner.  If Mr. Markland thought well enough of any one to present him at home, the home-circle opened smilingly to receive.

The stranger was a young man, somewhere between the ages of twenty-five and thirty; above the medium height; with a well-formed person, well-balanced head, and handsome countenance.  His mouth was the least pleasing feature of his face.  The lips were full, but too firmly drawn back against his teeth.  Eyes dark, large, and slightly prominent, with great depth, but only occasional softness, of expression.  His was a face with much in it to attract, and something to repel.  A deep, rich voice, finely modulated, completed his personal attractions.