As soon as possible after they were again on their way, Hilda untied the packet and brought to view a crimson velvet case in which was a fine picture of Mr. Courtney.
“Oh, it is so like him, so exactly like him!” she exclaimed in delight, as Paul bent his stately head to look upon it. “Isn’t he the very handsomest man you ever saw?”
“He is very elegant looking, indeed, Cousin Hilda,” responded Paul heartily.
“And just as good as he is handsome! He is so kind to everybody and urges poor Archie, who saved my life, to make his home at ‘My Lady’s Manor,’ and pass his days in rest and comfort; but Archie will stay only for a night, preferring to wander about.”
“He is handsome and of noble presence, Cousin Hilda,” remarked Paul as he saw her looking again upon the picture, “but I cannot agree with you that he is the handsomest man I ever saw, and he is somewhat gray.”
“Only a little upon the temples,” said Hilda eagerly. “Some persons turn gray early.”
“Wait until you have seen my brother Fred,” said Paul, a little confusedly. “Do not think me boastful, Cousin Hilda, but all agree that Fred is very handsome, and he is young.”
“I suppose he looks like you,” said Hilda, in all sincerity.
“Girls never see me when Fred is around. He seems to know exactly what to say to interest them.”
“And ‘My Lady’s Manor’ is such a lovely place,” resumed Hilda. “I wish you could have stayed even one day longer and visited there and at ‘Friedenheim.’ They are such beautiful places, and my friends are all so kind.”