‘I never was so surprised in my life,’ said the Doctor; ’he is vastly improved; he is quite a man; his carriage is very finished.’

‘And his principles,’ said Lady Annabel.  ’You have no idea, my dear Doctor, how right his opinions seem to be on every subject.  He has been brought up in a good school; he does his guardian great credit.  He is quite loyal and orthodox in all his opinions; ready to risk his life for our blessed constitution in Church and State.  He requested, as a favour, that he might remain at our prayers last night.  It is delightful for me to see him turn out so well!’

In the meantime Cadurcis and Venetia entered the grotto.

‘The dear Doctor!’ said Cadurcis:  ’five years have brought no visible change even to him; perhaps he may be a degree less agile, but I will not believe it.  And Lady Annabel; it seems to me your mother is more youthful and beautiful than ever.  There is a spell in our air,’ continued his lordship, with a laughing eye; ’for if we have changed, Venetia, ours is, at least, an alteration that bears no sign of decay.  We are advancing, but they have not declined; we are all enchanted.’

‘I feel changed,’ said Venetia gravely.

‘I left you a child and I find you a woman,’ said Lord Cadurcis, ’a change which who can regret?’

‘I would I were a child again,’ said Venetia.

‘We were happy,’ said Lord Cadurcis, in a thoughtful tone; and then in an inquiring voice he added, ‘and so we are now?’

Venetia shook her head.

‘Can you be unhappy?’

‘To be unhappy would be wicked,’ said Venetia; ’but my mind has lost its spring.’

’Ah! say not so, Venetia, or you will make even me gloomy.  I am happy, positively happy.  There must not be a cloud upon your brow.’

‘You are joyous,’ said Venetia, ’because you are excited.  It is the novelty of return that animates you.  It will wear off; you will grow weary, and when you go to the university you will think yourself happy again.’

‘I do not intend to go to the university,’ said Cadurcis.

‘I understood from you that you were going there immediately.’

‘My plans are changed,’ said Cadurcis; ’I do not intend ever to leave home again.’

‘When you go to Cambridge,’ said Dr. Masham, who just then reached them, ’I shall trouble you with a letter to an old friend of mine whose acquaintance you may find valuable.’

Venetia smiled; Cadurcis bowed, expressed his thanks, and muttered something about talking over the subject with the Doctor.