CHAPTER II.
THE WILLOW POND.
Before the sun had well set, the family at Verner's Pride were assembling for dinner.

Mr.and Mrs.Verner, and John Massingbird: neither Lionel Verner nor Frederick Massingbird was present.

The usual custom appeared somewhat reversed on this evening: while roving John would be just as likely to absent himself from dinner as not, his brother and Lionel Verner nearly always appeared at it.

Mr.Verner looked surprised.
"Where are they ?" he cried, as he waited to say grace.
"Mr.Lionel has not come in, sir," replied the butler, Tynn, who was husband to the housekeeper.
"And Fred has gone out to keep some engagement with Sibylla West," spoke up Mrs.Verner.

"She is going to spend the evening at the Bitterworths, and Fred promised, I believe, to see her safely thither.