“I often visit him,” replied Adrian; “but you may easily guess the motives, which prevent him from coming where his presence may annoy anyone among us.”

“I do guess them,” said Idris, “and such as they are, I would not venture to combat them. Tell me, however, in what way he passes his time; what he is doing and thinking in his cottage retreat?”

“Nay, my sweet sister,” replied Adrian, “you ask me more than I can well answer; but if you feel interest in him, why not visit him? He will feel highly honoured, and thus you may repay a part of the obligation I owe him, and compensate for the injuries fortune has done him.”

“I will most readily accompany you to his abode,” said the lady, “not that I wish that either of us should unburden ourselves of our debt, which, being no less than your life, must remain unpayable ever. But let us go; tomorrow we will arrange to ride out together, and proceeding towards that part of the forest, call upon him.”