`Oh no. Why, sir, if I tell you, it will seem'------

Tess's sense of a certain ludicrousness in her errand was now so strong that, notwithstanding her awe of him, and her general discomfort at being here, her rosy lips curved towards a smile, much to the attraction of the swarthy Alexander.

`It is so very foolish,' she stammered; `I fear I can't tell you!' `Never mind; I like foolish things. Try again, my dear,' said he kindly.

`Mother asked me to come,'Tess continued; `and, indeed, I was in the mind to do so myself likewise. But I did not think it would be like this. I came, sir, to tell you that we are of the same family as you.,

`Ho! Poor relations?'

`Yes.'

`Stokes?'

`No; d'Urbervilles.'

`Ay, ay; I mean d'Urbervilles.'

`Our names are worn away to Durbeyfield; but we have several proofs that we are d'Urbervilles. Antiquarians hold we are, - and - and we have an old seal, marked with a ramping lion on a shield, and a castle over him. And we have a very old silver spoon, round in the bowl like a little ladle, and marked with the same castle. But it is so worn that mother uses it to stir the pea-soup.'

`A castle argent is certainly my crest,' said he blandly. `And my arms a lion rampant.'

`And so mother said we ought to make ourselves beknown to you - as we've lost our horse by a bad accident, and are the oldest branch o' the family.'

`Very' kind of your mother, I'm sure. And 1, for one, don't regret her step.' Alec looked at Tess as he spoke, in a way that made her blush a little. `And so, my pretty girl, you've come on a friendly visit to us, as relations?'

`I suppose I have,' faltered Tess, looking uncomfortable again.

`Well - there's no harm in it. Where do you live? What are you?'

She gave him brief particulars; and responding to further inquiries told him that she was intending to go back by the same carrier who had brought her.

`It is a long while before he returns past Trantridge Cross. Supposing we walk round the grounds to pass the time, my pretty Coz?'

Tess wished to abridge her visit as much as possible; but the young man was pressing, and she consented to accompany him. He conducted her about the lawns, and flower-beds, and conservatories; and thence to the fruit-garden and greenhouses, where he asked her if she liked strawberries.

`Yes,' said Tess, `when they come.'

`They are already here.' D'Urberville began gathering specimens of the fruit for her, handing them back to her as he stooped; and, presently, selecting a specially fine product of the `British Queen variety, he stood up and held it by the stem to her mouth.