The thought did certainly pass through Lord Ridsdale's mind that Allan Lyster was very young and very handsome to be drawing-master of a young ladies' school; but not for the world would he have breathed such a thought to any one living, lest it should injure him.

Lord Ridsdale was courtesy itself to his young guest.

He pointed out to him the finest pictures; he took him over the woods to show him where the most picturesque scenery lay; he took him to the library and introduced to his notice some of the finest works of art.
When they came to compare notes Lord and Lady Ridsdale quite disagreed over Allan.

The gentleman liked him, he thought him clever, gifted and intellectual; Lady Ridsdale, with the keener sense belonging to women, read his character more clearly.
"He is not true," she said.

"His eyes have never once met mine with a frank, clear look; either he has something to conceal, or his natural disposition is anything but candid." Lady Ridsdale did not like him, but with some of the visitors at Thorpe Castle he was very popular.