’Now, that is kind, for I have not a book here, and, after all, there is nothing like reading.  I wish I had read more, but it is not too late.  I envy you your learning, besides so many other things.  However, I hope we shall not part in a hurry; we have met at last,’ he said, extending his hand, ‘and we were always friends.’

Herbert shook his hand very warmly.  ’I can assure you, Lord Cadurcis, you have not a more sincere admirer of your genius.  I am happy in your society.  For myself, I now aspire to be nothing better than an idler in life, turning over a page, and sometimes noting down a fancy.  You have, it appears, known my family long and intimately, and you were, doubtless, surprised at finding me with them.  I have returned to my hearth, and I am content.  Once I sacrificed my happiness to my philosophy, and now I have sacrificed my philosophy to my happiness.’

‘Dear friend!’ said Cadurcis, putting his arm affectionately in Herbert’s as they walked along, ’for, indeed, you must allow me to style you so; all the happiness and all the sorrow of my life alike flow from your roof!’

In the meantime Lady Annabel and Venetia came forth from the villa to their morning meal in their amphitheatre of hills.  Marmion was not there to greet them as usual.

‘Was not Plantagenet amusing last night?’ said Venetia; ’and are not you happy, dear mother, to see him once more?’

‘Indeed I am now always happy,’ said Lady Annabel.

’And George was telling me last night, in this portico, of all their life.  He is more attached to Plantagenet than ever.  He says it is impossible for any one to have behaved with greater kindness, or to have led, in every sense, a more calm and rational life.  When he was alone at Athens, he did nothing but write.  George says that all his former works are nothing to what he has written now.’

‘He is very engaging,’ said Lady Annabel.

’I think he will be such a delightful companion for papa.  I am sure papa must like him.  I hope he will stay some time; for, after all, poor dear papa, he must require a little amusement besides our society.  Instead of being with his books, he might be walking and talking with Plantagenet.  I think, dearest mother, we shall be happier than ever!’

At this moment Herbert, with Cadurcis leaning on his arm, and apparently speaking with great earnestness, appeared in the distance.  ‘There they are,’ said Venetia; ’I knew they would be friends.  Come, dearest mother, let us meet them.’

‘You see, Lady Annabel,’ said Lord Cadurcis, ’it is just as I said:  Mr. George is not here; he is having tea and toast on board the brig.’

‘I do not believe it,’ said Venetia, smiling.

They seated themselves at the breakfast-table.

’You should have seen our Apennine breakfasts in the autumn, Lord Cadurcis,’ said Herbert.  ’Every fruit of nature seemed crowded before us.  It was indeed a meal for a poet or a painter like Paul Veronese; our grapes, our figs, our peaches, our mountain strawberries, they made a glowing picture.  For my part, I have an original prejudice against animal food which I have never quite overcome, and I believe it is only to please Lady Annabel that I have relapsed into the heresy of cutlets.’