At this instant a sound closely resembling a sneeze caused them to turn.  Mr. Spence, with his handkerchief to his mouth, had his back turned to them, and was studiously regarding the bookcases.

After Honora had gone upstairs for the night she opened her door in response to a knock, to find Mrs. Holt on the threshold.

“My dear,” said that lady, “I feel that I must say a word to you.  I suppose you realize that you are attractive to men.”

“Oh, Mrs. Holt.”

“You’re no fool, my dear, and it goes without saying that you-do realize it—­in the most innocent way, of course.  But you have had no experience in life.  Mind you, I don’t say that the Vicomte de Toqueville isn’t very much of a gentleman, but the French ideas about the relations of young men and young women are quite different and, I regret to say, less innocent than ours.  I have no reason to believe that the Vicomte has come to this country to—­to mend his fortunes.  I know nothing about his property.  But my sense of responsibility towards you has led me to tell him that you have no dot, for you somehow manage to give the impression of a young woman of fortune.  Not purposely, my dear—­I did not mean that.”  Mrs. Holt tapped gently Honora’s flaming cheek.  “I merely felt it my duty to drop you a word of warning against Monsieur de Toqueville —­because he is a Frenchman.”

“But, Mrs. Holt, I had no idea of—­of falling in love with him,” protested Honora, as soon as she could get her breath.  He seemed so kind —­and so interested in everything.

“I dare say,” said Mrs. Holt, dryly.  “And I have always been led to believe that that is the most dangerous sort.  I am sure, Honora, after what I have said, you will give him no encouragement.”

“Oh, Mrs. Holt,” cried Honora again, “I shouldn’t think of such a thing!”

“I am sure of it, Honora, now that you are forewarned.  And your suggestion to take him to the Institution was not a bad one.  I meant to do so anyway, and I think it will be good for him.  Good night, my dear.”

After the good lady bad gone, Honora stood for some moments motionless.  Then she turned out the light.

CHAPTER IX

IN WHICH THE VICOMTE CONTINUES HIS STUDIES

Mr. Robert Holt, Honora learned at breakfast, had two bobbies.  She had never heard of what is called Forestry, and had always believed the wood of her country to be inexhaustible.  It had never occurred to her to think of a wild forest as an example of nature’s extravagance, and so flattering was her attention while Robert explained the primary principles of caring for trees that he actually offered to show her one of the tracts on the estate which he was treating.  He could not,—­he regretted to say, take her that morning.

His other hobby was golf.  He was president of the Sutton Golf Club, and had arranged to play a match with Mr. Spence.  This gentleman, it appeared, was likewise an enthusiast, and had brought to Silverdale a leather bag filled with sticks.