were most anxious that he should come to "Colonel Esmond's house in
England." And now, accordingly, the lad made his appearance, passing
under the old Gothic doorway, tripping down the steps from one garden
terrace to another, hat in hand, his fair hair blowing from his flushed
cheeks, his slim figure clad in mourning. The handsome and modest looks,
the comely face and person, of the young lad pleased the lady. He made
her a low bow which would have done credit to Versailles. She held out a
little hand to him, and, as his own palm closed over it, she laid the
other hand softly on his ruffle. She looked very kindly and
affectionately in the honest blushing face.

"I knew your grandfather very well, Harry," she said. "So you came
yesterday to see his picture, and they turned you away, though you know
the house was his of right?"

Harry blushed very red. "The servants did not know me. A young gentleman
came to me last night," he said, "when I was peevish, and he, I fear, was
tipsy. I spoke rudely to my cousin, and would ask his pardon. Your
ladyship knows that in Virginia our manners towards strangers are
different. I own I had expected another kind of welcome. Was it you,
madam, who sent my cousin to me last night?"

"I sent him; but you will find your cousins most friendly to you to-day.
You must stay here. Lord Castlewood would have been with you this
morning, only I was so eager to see you. There will be breakfast in an
hour; and meantime you must talk to me. We will send to the Three Castles
for your servant and your baggage. Give me your arm. Stop, I dropped my
cane when you came. You shall be my cane."

"My grandfather used to call us his crutches," said Harry.