"Is this Rythdale?" said Eleanor, who had noticed the manner of the gate-opener.
"Yes, and this entrance is near the house. You will see it in a moment or two."
It appeared presently, stately and lovely, on the other side of an extensive lawn; a grove of spruce firs making a beautiful setting for it on one side. The riders passed round the lawn, through a part of the plantations, and came up to the house at the before-mentioned left wing. Mr. Carlisle threw himself off his horse and came to Eleanor.
"What now, Macintosh?"
"Luncheon."
"O, I do not want any luncheon."
"I do. And so do you, love. Come!"
"Macintosh," said Eleanor, bending down with her hand resting on his shoulder to enforce her request, "I do not want to go in!"
"I cannot take you any further without rest and refreshment; and we are too far from Miss Broadus's now. Come, Eleanor!"
He took her down, and then observing the discomposed colour of Eleanor's cheek, he went on affectionately, as he was leading her in,—"What is there formidable in it, Nellie? Nothing but my mother and luncheon; and she will be much pleased to see you."