“No, sir, not very. That is Lansmere before me, is it not?”
“Yes, it is Lansmere; you stop there, I guess?”
Leonard made a sign in the affirmative, and walked on a few paces; then, seeing the stranger who had accosted him still by his side, he said,—
“If you know the town, sir, perhaps you will have the goodness to tell me whereabouts Mr. Avenel lives?”
“I can put you into a straight cut across the fields, that will bring you just behind the house.”
“You are very kind, but it will take you out of your way.”
“No, it is in my way. So you are going to Mr. Avenel’s?—a good old gentleman.”
“I’ve always heard so; and Mrs. Avenel—”
“A particular superior woman,” said Richard. “Any one else to ask after?—I know the family well.”
“No, thank you, sir.”