Mrs. Zant at once rose to retire.
"Who is the gentleman?" Mr. Rayburn asked--detaining Mrs. Zant as he spoke.
A voice which they both recognized answered gayly, from the outer side of the door:
"A friend from London."
X.
"WELCOME to St. Sallins! " cried Mr. John Zant. "I knew that you were expected, my dear sir, and I took my chance at finding you at the hotel." He turned to his sister-in-law, and kissed her hand with an elaborate gallantry worthy of Sir Charles Grandison himself. "When I reached home, my dear, and heard that you had gone out, I guessed that your object was to receive our excellent friend. You have not felt lonely while I have been away? That's right! that's right!" he looked toward the balcony, and discovered Lucy at the open window, staring at the magnificent stranger. "Your little daughter, Mr. Rayburn? Dear child! Come and kiss me."Lucy answered in one positive word: "No."
Mr. John Zant was not easily discouraged.