He found his position a very pleasant one.

The orders of the marquis that he should be treated as one of the family were obeyed, and there was no distinction made between himself and Ernest.

In the morning the two boys and himself worked with the abbe, a quiet and gentle old man; in the afternoon they rode and fenced, under the instructions of M.du Tillet or one or other of the gentlemen of the marquis establishment; and on holidays shot or fished as they chose on the preserves or streams of the estate.

For an hour each morning the two younger girls shared in their studies, learning Latin and history with their brothers.

Harry got on very well with Ernest, but there was no real cordiality between them.