ter I have put away these things), and shall return to our inn—not far hence—to sup, at eight o'clock. Supper is our principal meal—we rarely spoil our days by the ceremonial of a formal dinner. Will you do us the favor to sup with us? Our host has a wonderful whiskey, which, when raw, is Glenlivat, but, refined into toddy, is nectar. Bring your pipe, and let us hear John Kemble again."
Waife's face lighted up. "You are most kind; nothing I should like so much. But—" and the light fled, the face darkened—"but no; I can not—you don't know—that is—I—I have made a vow to myself to decline all such temptations. I humbly beg you'll excuse me."
Vance. "Temptations! of what kind—the whiskey-toddy?"
Waife (puffing away a sigh). "Ah, yes; whiskey-toddy if you please. Perhaps I once loved a glass too well, and could not resist a glass too much now; and if I once broke the rule, and became a tippler, what would happen to Juliet Araminta? For her sake, don't press me!"
"Oh, do go, Grandy; he never drinks—never any thing stronger than tea, I assure you, Sir; it can't be that."
"It is, silly child, and nothing else," said Waife positively—drawing himself up. "Excuse me."
Lionel began brushing his hat with his sleeve, and his face worked; at last he said, "Well, Sir, then may I ask another favor? Mr. Vance and I are going to-morrow, after the sitting, to see Hampton Court; we have kept that excursion to the last before leaving these parts. Would you and little Sophy come with us in the boat? we will have no whiskey-toddy, and we will bring you both safe home."
Waife. "What—I—what—I! You are very young, Sir—a gentleman born and bred, I'll swear; and you to be scen, perhaps by some of your friends or family, with an old vagrant like me, in the Queen's palace—the public gardens! I should be the vilest wretch if I took such advantage of your goodness. 'Pretty company,' they would say, 'you have got into.' With me—with me! Don't be alarmed, Mr. Vance—not to be thought of."
The young men were deeply affected.
"I can't accept that reason," said Lionel, tremulously. "Though I must not presume to derange your habits. But she may go with us, mayn't she? We'll take care of her, and she is dressed so plainly and neatly, and looks such a little lady" (turning to Vance).
"Yes, let her come with us," said the artist, benevolently;
