.

ARCHER IS INSTALLED.
The chaise had been driven round to the front door; the courtyard lay all deserted, and only lit by a lantern set upon a window-sill.

Through this Nance rapidly led the way, and began to ascend the swellings of the moor with a heart that somewhat fluttered in her bosom.

She was not afraid, but in the course of these last passages with Lord Windermoor Mr.Archer had ascended to that pedestal on which her fancy waited to instal him.
The reality, she felt, excelled her dreams, and this cold night walk was the first romantic incident in her experience.
It was the rule in these days to see gentlemen unsteady after dinner, yet Nance was both surprised and amused when her companion, who had spoken so soberly, began to stumble and waver by her side with the most airy divagations.

Sometimes he would get so close to her that she must edge away; and at others lurch clear out of the track and plough among deep heather.