Part 33 (1/2)

said the young marquis. 'It is there that I indeed reside.'

Lord Montfort and Mr. Temple examined the contents of the cabinet. There was one vase which Mr. Temple greatly admired for the elegance of its form. His host immediately brought it and placed it on a small pedestal near Miss Temple. Yet he scarcely addressed himself to her, and Henrietta experienced none of that troublesome attention from which, in the present state of her health and mind, she shrank. While Mr. Temple was interested with his pursuit, Lord Montfort went to a small cabinet opposite, and brought forth a curious casket of antique gems. 'Perhaps,'

he said, placing it by Miss Temple, 'the contents of this casket might amuse you;' and he walked away to her father.

In the course of an hour a servant brought in some fruits and wine.

'The grapes are from my villa,' said Lord Montfort. 'I ventured to order them, because I have heard their salutary effects have been marvellous.

Besides, at this season, even in Italy they are rare. At least you cannot accuse me of prescribing a disagreeable remedy,' he added with a slight smile, as he handed a plate to Miss Temple. She moved to receive them. Her cus.h.i.+ons slipped from behind her, Lord Montfort immediately arranged them with skill and care. He was so kind that she really wished to thank him; but before she could utter a word he was again conversing with her father.

At length Mr. Temple indicated his intention to retire, and spoke to his daughter.

'This has been a great exertion for you, Henrietta,' he said; 'this has indeed been a busy day.'

'I am not wearied; and we have been much pleased.' It was the firmest tone in which she had spoken for a long time. There was something in her manner which recalled to Mr. Temple her vanished animation. The affectionate father looked for a moment happy. The sweet music of these simple words dwelt on his ear.

He went forward and a.s.sisted Henrietta to rise. She closed the casket with care, and delivered it herself to her considerate host. Mr. Temple bade him adieu; Henrietta bowed, and nearly extended her hand. Lord Montfort attended them to the gate; a carriage was waiting there.

'Ah! we have kept your lords.h.i.+p at home,' said Mr. Temple.

'I took the liberty of ordering the carriage for Miss Temple,' he replied. 'I feel a little responsible for her kind exertion to-day.'

CHAPTER II.

_In Which Lord Montfort Contrives That Miss Temple Should be Left Alone_.

AND how do you like my friend, Henrietta?' said Mr. Temple, as they drove home.

'I like your friend much, papa. He is quite as quiet as you said; he is almost the only person I have seen since I quitted England who has not jarred my nerves. I felt quite sorry that I had so long prevented you both from cultivating each other's acquaintance. He does not interfere with me in the least.'

'I wish I had asked him to look in upon us in the evening,' said Mr.

Temple, rather enquiringly.

'Not to-day,' said Henrietta. 'Another day, dearest papa.'

The next day Lord Montfort sent a note to Mr. Temple, to enquire after his daughter, and to impress upon him the importance of her eating his grapes. His servant left a basket. The rest of the note was about cinerary urns. Mr. Temple, while he thanked him, a.s.sured him of the pleasure it would give both his daughter and himself to see him in the evening.

This was the first invitation to his house that Mr. Temple had ventured to give him, though they had now known each other some time.

In the evening Lord Montfort appeared. Henrietta was lying on her sofa, and her father would not let her rise. Lord Montfort had brought Mr.

Temple some English journals, which he had received from Leghorn.

The gentlemen talked a little on foreign politics; and discussed the character of several of the most celebrated foreign ministers. Lord Montfort gave an account of his visit to Prince Esterhazy. Henrietta was amused. German politics and society led to German literature. Lord Montfort, on this subject, seemed completely informed. Henrietta could not refrain from joining in a conversation for which she was fully qualified. She happened to deplore her want of books. Lord Montfort had a library; but it was at Rome: no matter; it seemed that he thought nothing of sending to Rome. He made a note very quietly of some books that Henrietta expressed a wish to see, and begged that Mr. Temple would send the memorandum to his servant.

'But surely to-morrow will do,' said Mr. Temple. 'Rome is too far to send to this evening.'

'That is an additional reason for instant departure,' said his lords.h.i.+p calmly.

Mr. Temple summoned a servant.

'Send this note to my house,' said his lords.h.i.+p. 'My courier will bring us the books in four days,' he added, turning to Miss Temple. 'I am sorry you should have to wait, but at Pisa I really have nothing.'