r side
towards Miss Sarti? I have nothing to do with her feelings, but I have a
right to know yours.'

'I like Tina very much; who would not like such a little simple thing?
You would not wish me not to like her? But love--that is a very different
affair. One has a brotherly affection for such a woman as Tina; but it is
another sort of woman that one loves.'

These last words were made doubly significant by a look of tenderness,
and a kiss imprinted on the hand Captain Wybrow held in his. Miss Assher
was conquered. It was so far from probable that Anthony should love that
pale insignificant little thing--so highly probable that he should adore
the beautiful Miss Assher. On the whole, it was rather gratifying that
other women should be languishing for her handsome lover; he really was
an exquisite creature. Poor Miss Sarti! Well, she would get over it.

Captain Wybrow saw his advantage. 'Come, sweet love,' he continued, 'let
us talk no more about unpleasant things. You will keep Tina's secret, and
be very kind to her--won't you?--for my sake. But you will ride out now?
See what a glorious day it is for riding. Let me order the horses. I'm
terribly in want of the air. Come, give me one forgiving kiss, and say
you will go.'

Miss Assher complied with the double request, and then went to equip
herself for the ride, while her lover walked to the stables.

Chapter 9

Meanwhile Mr. Gilfil, who had a heavy weight on his mind, had watched for
the moment when, the two elder ladies having driven out, Caterina would
probably be alone in Lady Cheverel's sitting-room. He went up and knocked
at the door.

'Come in,' said the sweet mellow voice, always thrilling to him as the
sound of rippling water to the thirsty.

He entered and found Caterina standing in some confusion as if she had
been startled from a reverie. She felt relieved when she saw it was
Maynard, but, the next moment, felt a little pettish that he should have
come to interrupt and frighten her.

'Oh, it is you, Maynard! Do you want Lady Cheverel?'

'No, Caterina,' he answered gravely; 'I want you. I have something very
particular to say to you. Will you let me sit down with you for half an
hour?'

'Yes, dear old preacher,' said Caterina, sitting down with an air of
weariness; 'what is it?'

Mr. Gilfil placed himself opposite to her, and said, 'I hope you will not
be hurt, Caterina, by what I am going to say to you. I do not speak from
any other fe