The lad was so much
delighted at the prospect of enjoying her society that he was almost
consoled for not finding her at the Manor House; and his elaborate
courtesy became every moment less artificial and more affectionate,
as the friendly atmosphere revealed that the frankness and simplicity
of the boy had not been lost, captain in the dragoon guards as he was,
thanks to interest, though he had scarcely yet joined his troop. He
had been with a tutor in the country, until two years ago, when his
stepfather, Mr. Wayland, had taken him, still with his tutor, on the
expedition to the Mediterranean. He had come home from Gibraltar, and
joined his regiment only a few weeks before setting out with his friend
Captain Herries, to visit Battlefield, Lady Aresfield's estate in
Monmouthshire. He was quartered in the Whitehall barracks, but could
spend as much time as he pleased at his mother's house in Hanover
Square.
Betty's mind misgave her as she saw the brightening eye with which he
said it; but she could not but like the youth himself, he was so bright,
unspoilt, and engaging that she could not think him capable of doing
wilful wrong to her darling. Yet how soon would the young soldier,
plunged into the midst of fashionable society, learn to look on the
fair girl with the dissipated eyes of his associates? There was some
comfort in finding that Mr.
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