Shortly before noon a noise of wheels drew him to the window.

A young lady, in whom he recognized Aminta's little school friend, of some name, stepped out of a fly.

He met her in the hall.
She had expected to be welcomed by Aminta, and she was very timid on finding herself alone with the earl.

He, however, treated her as the harbinger bird, wryneck of the nightingale, sure that Aminta would keep her appointment unless an accident delayed.

He had forgotten her name, but not her favourite pursuit of botany; and upon that he discoursed, and he was interested, not quite independently of the sentiment of her being there as a guarantee of Aminta's return.