"Hush, she hears every word you say. I know it by the expression of her

face, for Ned is talking about horses, and she looks as haughty as ever

you did, and that is saying much. Faith, this is getting interesting."

"Hark, she is speaking; I want to hear," and Lucia laid her hand on her

cousin's lips. He kissed it, and then idly amused himself with turning

the rings to and fro on the slender fingers.

"I have been in France several years, madam, but my friend died and I

came back to be with Lady Sydney, till--" Muir paused an instant, then

added, slowly, "till I fell ill. It was a contagious fever, so I went of

my own accord to the hospital, not wishing to endanger her."

"Very right, but are you sure there is no danger of infection now?"

asked Mrs. Coventry anxiously.

"None, I assure you. I have been well for some time, but did not leave

because I preferred to stay there, than to return to Lady Sydney."

"No quarrel, I hope? No trouble of any kind?"

"No quarrel, but--well, why not? You have a right to know, and I will

not make a foolish mystery out of a very simple thing. As your family,

only, is present, I may tell the truth. I did not go back on the young

gentleman's account. Please ask no more."

"Ah, I see. Quite prudent and proper, Miss Muir. I shall never allude to

it again. Thank you for your frankness. Bella, you will be careful not

to mention this to young friends; girls gossip sadly, and it would annoy

Lady Sydney beyond everything to have this talked of."

"Very neighborly of Lady S. to send the dangerous young lady here,

where there are two young gentlemen to be captivated. I wonder why

she didn't keep Sydney after she had caught him," murmured Coventry to

his cousin.

"Because she had the utmost contempt for a titled fool." Miss Muir

dropped the words almost into his ear, as she bent to take her shawl

from the sofa corner.

"How the deuce did she get there?" ejaculated Coventry, looking as if he

had received another sensation. "She has spirit, though, and upon my

word I pity Sydney, if he did try to dazzle her, for he must have got a

splendid dismissal."

"Come and play billiards. You promised, and I hold you to your word,"

said Lucia, rising with decision, for Gerald was showing too much

interest in another to suit Miss Beaufort.




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