I raised my head suddenly as he spoke, from habit appropriating the
address; it was so marked that he raised his hat respectfully to me, and
then continued to Milly--

'Mr. Ruthyn, I hope, quite well? but I need hardly ask, you seem so happy.
Will you kindly tell him, that I expect the book I mentioned in a day or
two, and when it comes I'll either send or bring it to him immediately?'

Milly and I were standing, by this time, but she only stared at him,
tongue-tied, her cheeks rather flushed, and her eyes very round, and to
facilitate the dialogue, as I suppose, he said again--

'He's quite well, I hope?'

Still no response from Milly, and I, provoked, though myself a little shy,
made answer--

'My uncle, Mr. Ruthyn, is very well, thank you,' and I felt that I blushed
as I spoke.

'Ah, pray excuse me, may I take a great liberty? you are Miss Ruthyn,
of Knowl? Will you think me very impertinent--I'm afraid you will--if I
venture to introduce myself? My name is Carysbroke, and I had the honour of
knowing poor Mr. Ruthyn when I was quite a little boy, and he has shown a
kindness for me since, and I hope you will pardon the liberty I fear I've
taken. I think my friend, Lady Knollys, too, is a relation of yours; what a
charming person she is!'

'Oh, is not she? such a darling!' I said, and then blushed at my outspoken