"Tush," said Varney, "what has the surly groom to do with your

ladyship's concerns?--no more, surely, than the ban-dog which watches

his courtyard. If he is in aught distasteful to your ladyship, I have

interest enough to have him exchanged for a seneschal that shall be more

agreeable to you."

"Master Varney," said the Countess, "let us drop this theme. When I

complain of the attendants whom my lord has placed around me, it must be

to my lord himself.--Hark! I hear the trampling of horse. He comes! he

comes!" she exclaimed, jumping up in ecstasy.

"I cannot think it is he," said Varney; "or that you can hear the tread

of his horse through the closely-mantled casements."

"Stop me not, Varney--my ears are keener than thine. It is he!"

"But, madam!--but, madam!" exclaimed Varney anxiously, and still placing

himself in her way, "I trust that what I have spoken in humble duty and

service will not be turned to my ruin? I hope that my faithful advice

will not be bewrayed to my prejudice? I implore that--"

"Content thee, man--content thee!" said the Countess, "and quit my

skirt--you are too bold to detain me. Content thyself, I think not of

thee."

At this moment the folding-doors flew wide open, and a man of majestic

mien, muffled in the folds of a long dark riding-cloak, entered the

apartment.




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