"You will be little the wiser when I mention his name, Sir Richard. 'Tis Atherton Legh."
"Atherton Legh. Is he of a Lancashire family?"
"I am unable to answer that question, Sir Richard. In fact, there is a mystery about him. But he is a gentleman born, I'm certain. You would say so yourself were you to see him. Ah! the opportunity offers—here he is."
As he spoke the door was opened, and the young man in question was ushered in by the landlord.
CHAPTER V.
INTRODUCES OUR HERO.
Atherton Legh had a fine, open, intelligent countenance, clear grey eyes, classically moulded features, a fresh complexion, and a tall graceful figure. His manner was frank and prepossessing. His habiliments were plain, but became him well, and in lieu of a peruke, he wore his own long, flowing, brown locks. His age might be about one-and-twenty.
Such was the tall, handsome young man who stood before the company, and it may be added that he displayed no embarrassment, though he felt that a scrutinising look was fixed upon him by the baronet.
"Was I not right, Sir Richard?" whispered Colonel Townley. "Has he not the air of a gentleman?"
The baronet assented; adding in an undertone, "Tell me, in a word, who and what he is?"
"I have already stated that a mystery attaches to his birth, and so carefully is the secret kept, that, although he has a guardian who supplies him with funds, he is not even acquainted with his guardian's name."