I have some boyish recollections connected with this neighbourhood, among which Bannerworth Hall stands sufficiently prominent." "May I ask how long ago that was ?" said Charles Howard, rather abruptly.
"I do not recollect, my enthusiastic young friend," said Varney.

"How old are you ?" "Just about twenty-one." "You are, then, for your age, quite a model of discretion." It would have been difficult for the most accurate observer of human nature to have decided whether this was said truthfully or ironically, so Charles made no reply to it whatever.
"I trust," said Henry, "we shall induce you, as this is your first visit, Sir Francis Varney, to the Hall, to partake of some thing." "Well, well, a cup of wine--" "Is at your service." Henry now led the way to a small parlour, which, although by no means one of the showiest rooms of the house, was, from the care and exquisite carving with which it abounded, much more to the taste of any who possessed an accurate judgment in such works of art.
Then wine was ordered, and Charles took an opportunity of whispering to Henry,-- "Notice well if he drinks." "I will." "Do you see that beneath his coat there is a raised place, as if his arm was bound up ?" "I do." "There, then, was where the bullet from the pistol fired by Flora, when we were at the church, hit him." "Hush! for God's sake, hush! you are getting into a dreadful state of excitement, Charles; hush! hush!" "And can you blame--" "No, no; but what can we do ?" "You are right.

Nothing can we do at present.

We have a clue now, and be it our mutual inclination, as well as duty, to follow it.

Oh, you shall see how calm I will be!" "For Heaven's sake, be so.