The  eastern  extremity  of  the  island,  being  shelter-
ed by  the  high  ground  on  the  west,  was  most  favour-
able for  horticultural  experiments,  and  had  there-
fore been  planted  with  fruit-tiees  and  grapevines ;
here  Hope  had  retired,  and  was  flattering  herself
she  was  secure  from  interruption  and  observation,
w^hen  she  w^as  startled  by  a  footstep,  and  perceived
Sir  Philip  Gardiner  approaching.  "  I  am  fortunate
at  last,"  he  said ;  "  I  have  just  been  vainly  seek-
ing you,  where  I  most  unluckily  broke  in  upon
the  lovers  at  a  moment  of  supreme  happiness,  if  I
may  judge  from  the  faces  of  both  parties;  but  what
are  you  doing  wdth  that  vine,  Miss  Leslie  ?"  he  con-
tinued, for  Hope  had  stooped  over  a  grapevine,
which  she  seemed  anxiously  arranging.
"  I  am  merely  looking  at  it,"  she  said ;  "  it  seems
drooping."


56  HOPE    LESLIE.
