CHAPTER IX.
THE FAREWELL-PARTY.
On the following day, Arthur and I reached the Hall in good time, as only a few of the guests——it was to be a party of eighteen——had as yet arrived; and these were talking with the Earl, leaving us the opportunity of a few words apart with our hostess.
"Who is that very learned-looking man with the large spectacles?" Arthur enquired. "1 haven't met him here before, have I?"
"No, he's a new friend of ours," said Lady Muriel: "a German, I believe. He is such a dear old thing! And quite the most learned
