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there’s no romance here but what you may have brought
with you.’
‘I’ve brought a great deal; but it seems to me I’ve brought
it to the right place.’
‘To keep it out of harm, certainly; nothing will ever hap-
pen to it here, between my father and me.’
Isabel looked at him a moment. ‘Is there never any one
here but your father and you?’
‘My mother, of course.’
‘Oh, I know your mother; she’s not romantic. Haven’t
you other people?’
‘Very few.’
‘I’m sorry for that; I like so much to see people.’
‘Oh, we’ll invite all the county to amuse you,’ said
Ralph.
‘Now you’re making fun of me,’ the girl answered rather
gravely. ‘Who was the gentleman on the lawn when I ar-
rived?’
‘A county neighbour; he doesn’t come very often.’
‘I’m sorry for that; I liked him,’ said Isabel.
‘Why, it seemed to me that you barely spoke to him,’
Ralph objected.
‘Never mind, I like him all the same. I like your father
too, immensely.’
‘You can’t do better than that. He’s the dearest of the
dear.’
‘I’m so sorry he is ill,’ said Isabel.
‘You must help me to nurse him; you ought to be a good
nurse.’

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