The Midnight Queen

The count paused and meditated. This proposal was all very plausible

and nice on the surface, but Sir Norman with his usual penetration and

acuteness, looked farther than the surface, and found a flaw.

"And how am I to know," he asked, doubtingly, "that you will not go to

her to-night and spirit her off where I will never hear of either of you

again?"

"In the very best way in the world: we will not part company until

morning comes, are we at peace?" inquired the count, smiling and holding

out but hand.

"Until then, we will have to be, I suppose," replied Sir Norman, rather

ungraciously taking the hand as if it were red-hot, and dropping

it again. "And we are to stand here and rail at each other, in the

meantime?"

"By no means! Even the most sublime prospect tires when surveyed too

long. There is a little excursion which I would like you to accompany me

on, if you have no objection."

"Where to?"

"To the ruin, where you have already been twice to-night."

Sir Norman stared.

"And who told you this fact, Sir Count?"

"Never mind; I have heard it. Would you object to a third excursion

there before morning?"

Again Sir Norman paused and meditated. There was no use in staying where

he was, that would bring him no nearer to Leoline, and nothing was to be

gained by killing the count beyond the mere transitory pleasure of

the thing. On the other hand, he had an intense and ardent desire to

re-visit the ruin, and learn what had become of Miranda--the only

draw-back being that, if they were found they would both be most

assuredly beheaded. Then, again, there was Hubert.

"Well," inquired the count, as Sir Norman looked up.

"I have no objection to go with you to the ruin," was the reply, "only

this; if we are seen there, we will be dead men two minutes after; and

I have no desire to depart this life until I have had that promised

interview with Leoline."

"I have thought of that," said the count, "and have provided for it. We

may venture in the lion's den without the slightest danger: all that is

required being your promise to guide us thither. Do you give it?"

"I do; but I expect a friend here shortly, and cannot start until he

comes."

"If you mean me by that, I am here," said a voice at his elbow; and,

looking round, he saw Hubert himself, standing there, a quiet listener

and spectator of the scene.

Count L'Estrange looked at him with interest, and Hubert, affecting not

to notice the survey, watched Sir Norman.

"Well," was that individual's eager address, "were you successful?"

The count was still watching the boy so intently, that that most

discreet youth was suddenly seized with a violent fit of coughing, which

precluded all possibility of reply for at least five minutes; and Sir

Norman, at the same moment, felt his arm receive a sharp and warning

pinch.