I came back from Germany about the same time that the Welwyns
returned from Paris, and at once set myself to improve my
neighborly intimacy with the family. I was very fond of Ida; more
fond, perhaps, than my vanity will now allow me to--; but that is
of no consequence. It is much more to the purpose to tell you
that I heard the whole of the baron's story enthusiastically
related by Mr. Welwyn and Rosamond; that he came to the Grange at
the appointed time; that I was introduced to him; and that he
produced as unfavorable an impression upon me as he had already
produced upon Ida.
It was whimsical enough; but I really could not tell why I
disliked him, though I could account very easily, according to my
own notions, for his winning the favor and approval of Rosamond
and her father. He was certainly a handsome man as far as
features went; he had a winning gentleness and graceful respect
in his manner when he spoke to women; and he sang remarkably
well, with one of the sweetest tenor voices I ever heard. These
qualities alone were quite sufficient to attract any girl of
Rosamond's disposition; and I certainly never wondered why he was
a favorite of hers.
Then, as to her father, the baron was not only fitted to win his
sympathy and regard in the field, by proving himself an ardent
sportsman and an excellent rider; but was also, in virtue of some
of his minor personal peculiarities, just the man to gain the
friendship of his host.
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