fixed his eyes upon me with a glance I did not like, keen, crafty, bold,
and almost impudent;--already half triumphant in his anticipated success.

'I hope not, Mr. Hargrave!' returned I, with vehemence that must have
startled Milicent at least; but he only smiled and murmured, 'Time will
show.'

We set to work: he sufficiently interested in the game, but calm and
fearless in the consciousness of superior skill: I, intensely eager to
disappoint his expectations, for I considered this the type of a more
serious contest, as I imagined he did, and I felt an almost superstitious
dread of being beaten: at all events, I could ill endure that present
success should add one tittle to his conscious power (his insolent
self-confidence I ought to say), or encourage for a moment his dream of
future conquest. His play was cautious and deep, but I struggled hard
against him. For some time the combat was doubtful: at length, to my
joy, the victory seemed inclining to my side: I had taken several of his
best pieces, and manifestly baffled his projects. He put his hand to his
brow and paused, in evident perplexity. I rejoiced in my advantage, but
dared not glory in it yet. At length, he lifted his head, and quietly
making his move, looked at me and said, calmly, 'Now you think you will
win, don't you?'

'I hope so,' replied I, taking his pawn that he had pushed into the way
of my bishop with so careless an air that I thought it was an oversight,
but was not generous enough, under the circumstances, to direct his
attention to it, and too heedless, at the moment, to foresee the
after-consequences of my move. 'It is those bishops that trouble me,'
said he; 'but the bold knight can overleap the reverend gentlemen,'
taking my last bishop with his knight; 'and now, those sacred persons
once removed, I shall carry all before me.'

'Oh, Walter, how you talk!' cried Milicent; 'she has far more pieces than
you still.'

'I intend to give you some trouble yet,' said I; 'and perhaps, sir, you
will find yourself checkmated before you are aware. Look to your queen.'

The combat deepened. The game was a long one, and I did give him some
trouble: but he was a better player than I.

'What keen gamesters you are!' said Mr. Hattersley, who had now entered,
and been watching us for some time. 'Why, Mrs. Huntingdon, your hand
trembles as if you had staked your all upon it! and, Walter, you dog, you
look as deep and cool as if you were certain