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pose. We are all gathering round him, I think, like pigeons round a looking-glass.

CHARVILLE (to her).

I heard your voice at a distance, and guessed you had some cause for such lively animation.

MARY.

Is my sister often without it?

MRS. CHARVILLE.

If I am, it is but of late. When you look grave (to Charville), it would be undutiful in me to be merry.

CHARVILLE (peevishly).

You are dutiful, and that makes you grave. (Striding away from him, muttering to himself.) I comprehend it; it is all plain enough. (Checking himself and returning to Freemantle.) This beautiful morning, Sir Robert, has tempted you to prolong your rambles in the wood: but what has become of Mr. Crafton?

FREEMANTLE.

He went home some time ago: he dislikes sitting down to dinner fatigued.

CHARVILLE.

He is right; it is not good for any body.

MRS. CHARVILLE.

Then Sir Robert will stay and dine with us, and go home in the cool of the evening. He has