'If you call me Lord Cadurcis, I shall immediately go back to the brig, and set sail this night for Athens.'
'Well then, silly Plantagenet!'
He laughed, and they ran on.
CHAPTER III.
'Well, I am not surprised that you should have passed your time delightfully here,' said Lord Cadurcis to Lady Annabel, when they had entered the villa; 'for I never beheld so delightful a retreat. It is even more exquisite than your villa on the lake, of which George gave me so glowing a description. I was almost tempted to hasten to you. Would you have smiled on me!' he added, rather archly, and in a coaxing tone.
'I am more gratified that we have met here,' said Lady Annabel.
'And thus,' added Cadurcis.
'You have been a great traveller since we last met?' said Lady
Annabel, a little embarrassed.
'My days of restlessness are over,' said Cadurcis. 'I desire nothing more dearly than to settle down in the bosom of these green hills as you have done.'
'This life suits Mr. Herbert,' said Lady Annabel. 'He is fond of seclusion, and you know I am accustomed to it.'