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26 the scene before him. The house had been burned to the ground: the mouldering walls of the lower floor, and huge heaps of ashes, from which the weeds were beginning to spring up, were all that remained of the former hospitable dwelling. The garden, which sloped down to the highway, was utterly destroyed, and the skeletons of two large trees stood charred and blackened from the effects of fire. Robert was roused from his trance by a hand rudely laid on his bridle-rein, while a hoarse voice exclaimed,

"So, my young cavalier,—regaling yourself with a sight of the ruin you and yours have wrought. Speak—your name, and business here?"

Evelyn had been so lost in contemplation of the melancholy scene before him, that he had not observed the approach of a detachment of cavalry, by whom he and his attendants were now surrounded. He looked upon the officer, whose hand was yet upon his rein; but the idea which presented itself was too improbable. "The son of Sir Robert Evelyn," said he, after a moment, "I cannot be an intruder in these parts!"

"Sir Robert Evelyn is a good man and true: his son is welcome—let him pass!"

The voice—harsh, changed as it was—