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as he went.
    â€˜â€˜But where is my wife, then?’’ murmured the old man.
    â€˜â€˜I suppose the young lady has left her somewhere: that’s a part of the independence.’’
    The girl spoke to Ralph, smiling, while she still held up the terrier. ‘‘Is this your little dog, sir?’’
    â€˜â€˜He was mine a moment ago; but you have suddenly acquired a remarkable air of property in him.’’
    â€˜â€˜Couldn’t we share him?’’ asked the girl. ‘‘He’s such a little darling.’’
    Ralph looked at her a moment; she was unexpectedly pretty. ‘‘You may have him altogether,’’ he said.
    The young lady seemed to have a great deal of confidence, both in herself and in others; but this abrupt generosity made her blush. ‘‘I ought to tell you that I am probably your cousin,’’ she murmured, putting down the dog. ‘‘And here’s another!’’ she added quickly, as the collie came up.
    â€˜â€˜Probably?’’ the young man exclaimed, laughing. ‘‘I supposed it was quite settled! Have you come with my mother?’’
    â€˜â€˜Yes, half an hour ago.’’
    â€˜â€˜And has she deposited you and departed again?’’
    â€˜â€˜No, she went straight to her room; and she told me that, if I should see you, I was to say to you that you must come to her there at a quarter to seven.’’
    The young man looked at his watch. ‘‘Thank you very much; I shall be punctual.’’ And then he looked at his cousin. ‘‘You are very welcome here,’’ he went on. ‘‘I am delighted to see you.’’
    She was looking at everything, with an eye that denoted quick perception—at her companion, at the two dogs, at the two gentlemen under the trees, at the beautiful scene that surrounded her. ‘‘I have never seen anything so lovely as this place,’’ she said. ‘‘I have been all over the house; it’s too enchanting.’’
    â€˜â€˜I am sorry you should have been here so long without our knowing it.’’
    â€˜â€˜Your mother told me that in England people arrived very quietly; so I thought it was all right. Is one of those gentlemen your father?’’
    â€˜â€˜Yes, the elder one—the one sitting down,’’ said Ralph.
    The young girl gave a laugh. ‘‘I don’t suppose it’s the other. Who is the other?’’
    â€˜â€˜He is a friend of ours—Lord Warburton.’’
    â€˜â€˜Oh, I hoped there would be a lord; it’s just like a novel!’’ And then—‘‘Oh you adorable creature!’’ she suddenly cried, stooping down and picking up the little terrier again.
    She remained standing where they had met, making no offer to advance or to speak to Mr. Touchett, and while she lingered in the doorway, slim and charming, her interlocutor wondered whether she expected the old man to come and pay her his respects. American girls were used to a great deal of deference, and it had been intimated that this one had a high spirit. Indeed, Ralph could see that in her face.
    â€˜â€˜Won’t you come and make acquaintance with my father?’’ he nevertheless ventured to ask. ‘‘He is old and infirm—he doesn’t leave his chair.’’
    â€˜â€˜Ah, poor man, I am very sorry!’’ the girl exclaimed, immediately moving forward. ‘‘I got the impression from your mother that he was rather—rather strong.’’
    Ralph Touchett was silent a moment.
    â€˜â€˜She has not seen him for a year.’’
    â€˜â€˜Well, he has got a lovely place to sit. Come along, little dogs.’’
    â€˜â€˜It’s a dear old place,’’ said the young man, looking sidewise at his neighbour.
    â€˜â€˜What’s his name?’’ she