Mr.Bantling, who had now returned to England, was her companion for the first four weeks of her stay; and about Mr.Bantling there was nothing dreamy.

Isabel learned from her friend that the two had led a life of great personal intimacy and that this had been a peculiar advantage to Henrietta, owing to the gentleman's remarkable knowledge of Paris.

He had explained everything, shown her everything, been her constant guide and interpreter.

They had breakfasted together, dined together, gone to the theatre together, supped together, really in a manner quite lived together.

He was a true friend, Henrietta more than once assured our heroine; and she had never supposed that she could like any Englishman so well.