"I must leave you now, Whittingham; and I desire you to remain here until my return," said Richard. "Do you hear, Whittingham?"
"Yes, Master Richard; but I don't choose to do as you would wish in this here instance. I shall foller you."
"What, Whittingham?"
"I shall foller you, sir."
"Well—you can do that," said Richard, suddenly remembering that his brother had in nowise cautioned him against such an intervention as this; "and pray God it may lead to some good."
"Ah! now I see that I am raly wanted," said the butler, a smile of satisfaction playing upon his rubicund countenance.
Richard now led the way from the apartment, the butler following him in a stately manner. They descended the stairs, crossed the garden, and entered the path which led to the top of the hill.
"Two trees, I suppose?" said the old domestic inquiringly.
"Yes—he is there!" answered Richard; "but the reminiscence of the times when we planted those saplings has failed to induce him to abandon a desperate resolution."
"Ah! he ain't got Master Richard's heart—I always knowed that," mused the old man half audibly as he trudged along. "There are them two lads—fine tall youths—both black hair, and intelligible black eyes—admirably formed—straight as arrows—and yet so diversified in disposition!"