But beyond this, his quick eye saw fair prospects to self-interest: Lucretia banished; the heritage not hers; the will to be altered; Dalibard esteemed indispensable to the life of the baronet.

Come, there was hope here,--not for the heritage, indeed, but at least for a munificent bequest.
At noon, some visitors, bringing strangers from London whom Sir Miles had invited to see the house (which was one of the lions of the neighbourhood, though not professedly a show-place), were expected.
Aware of this, Dalibard prayed the baronet to rest quiet till his company arrived, and then he said carelessly,-- "It will be a healthful diversion to your spirits to accompany them a little in the park; you can go in your garden-chair; you will have new companions to talk with by the way; and it is always warm and sunny at the slope of the hill, towards the bottom of the park." Sir Miles assented cheerfully; the guests came, strolled over the house, admired the pictures and the armour and the hall and the staircase, paid due respect to the substantial old-fashioned luncheon, and then, refreshed, and in great good-humour, acquiesced in Sir Miles's proposition to saunter through the park.
The poor baronet was more lively than usual.

The younger people clustered gayly round his chair (which was wheeled by his valet), smiling at his jests and charmed with his courteous high-breeding.
A little in the rear walked Gabriel, paying special attention to the prettiest and merriest girl of the company, who was a great favourite with Sir Miles,--perhaps for those reasons.
"What a delightful old gentleman!" said the young lady.

"How I envy Miss Clavering such an uncle!" "Ah, but you are a little out of favour to-day, I can tell you," said Gabriel, laughingly; "you were close by Sir Miles when we went through the picture-gallery, and you never asked him the history of the old knight in the buff doublet and blue sash." "Dear me, what of that ?" "Why, that was brave Colonel Guy St.John, the Cavalier, the pride and boast of Sir Miles; you know his weakness.

He looked so displeased when you said, 'What a droll-looking figure!' I was on thorns for you!" "What a pity! I would not offend dear Sir Miles for the world." "Well, it's easy to make it up with him.