And a heresy, you must recollect, has always some forgotten truth at the bottom of it." "I'm sure I hope so," replied Aunt Charlotte.

"But the wind's getting a trifle chilly, and I think it's about time for tea.

Austin isn't very strong just now, and mustn't run any risks." So they went indoors and had their tea in the drawing-room, when St Aubyn let fall the information that he was starting in a few days for a short tour in Italy.

It would not be long, however, before he was back, and then of course he should look forward to seeing a great deal of Austin at the Court.

Then Aunt Charlotte had to promise that she would honour the Court with a visit too; whereupon Austin launched out into a most glowing and picturesque description of the orchid-houses, and the pool of water-lilies, and the tapestry in the Banqueting Hall, being extremely curious to know whether his prosaic relative would experience any of those queer sensations that had so greatly impressed himself.