'Carm Hall.
'My dear Niece,—
'I hope you will give me as much of your society as possible to-day (bringing Mr. North with you, if he has arrived yet in Beverbridge); but apart from this desire of mine, pray keep the carriage waiting as long as suits your convenience.
'Believe me to be,
'Your affectionate uncle,
'Ross Carmichael.'
'Oh, good-bye to our nice walk!' sighed the girl mischievously, as she handed the note to Brian. 'A closed carriage too! I see it through the window! And this is such a lovely autumn day! Dear old uncle, I ought to be ashamed of my grumbles, though, for he meant to show me a most considerate attention!'
Brian laughed, as he answered:
'The walk is a loss, certainly, but by driving we shall be able to spend a longer time at Carm Hall, and I am anxious to make the acquaintance of your relatives.'
'Mr. Carmichael is a charming old gentleman,' said Mrs. Arderne.
'And what is Colonel Carmichael, please, ma'am?'
'My darling girl, don't question me in that impertinent fashion. My admiration for your elder uncle does not make me blind to the charm of the younger.'
'Uncle Jack impressed you favourably, I am certain, though you saw so little of him!'
'Mr. North, do you mean to allow Catherine to obstinately insist upon offending Mr. Ross Carmichael?'
Brian looked from the interrogator to Catherine's demurely smiling face, then back again.