"I will obtain from Mr.Ellis full information in regard to him." "You will do me a very great favour." The rustling of a branch at this moment caused both of them to turn in the direction from which the sound came.

The form of a man was, for an instant, distinctly seen, close to the summer-house.

But it vanished, ere more than the dim outline was perceived.
"Who can that be, hovering about in so stealthy a manner ?" Mr.
Willet spoke with rising indignation, starting to his feet as he uttered the words.
"Probably the very person about whom we were conversing," said Fanny.
"This is an outrage! Come, Miss Markland, let us return to the house, and I will at once make inquiry of Mr.Ellis about this stranger." Fanny again took the proffered arm of Mr.Willet, and the two went silently back, and joined the company from which they had a little while before retired.

The latter at once made inquiry of Mr.Ellis respecting the stranger who had been introduced to him.

The answers were far from being satisfactory.
"He is a young man whose acquaintance I made about a year ago.