Just then a gentleman arrested him, and kept him in conversation upon
some political matter for quite a quarter of an hour, his courtly
politeness even now preventing him from hurrying away; but at length,
with a sinking at his heart, he stepped into the conservatory to see
several friends enjoying the soft coolness of the flower-scented place;
but those whom he sought were not there.

He turned to leave--a strange feeling of excitement making his breast to
throb, and the blood to flush giddily to his head. He passed through
the different well-lit rooms, but without seeing the pair of whom he was
in quest; and, scarcely in command of his actions, he was about to make
some eager inquiry, when Gurdon approached, bearing a small tray with
tea.

"Looking for my lady, Sir Murray?" he said. "She's at the back of the
orangery with Captain Norton."

John Gurdon's eyes glittered as he spoke, for he was sobered now by the
former meeting with his master, and the excitement of what was in his
mind. Sir Murray knew that the man saw his emotion, but he could not
hide it then; and with a muttered oath he once more entered the
conservatory, but had not advanced more than a few paces when he became
aware that he was followed.

Turning upon the instant, he found that Gurdon was close behind him with
the tray.

"Go back into the drawing-room!" he said, sternly, though he repented
his speech the next minute, for, with a meaning smile, the man met his
eye, and then stopped short, but made no movement to return.

Gurdon was right; for on turning a corner, Sir Murray came suddenly upon
Lady Gernon seated by Captain Norton's side. Her head was bent, and the
tears were falling fast, while he was speaking to her earnestly. There
was no one near: the voices from the crowded rooms came only in a
murmur. They, too, were speaking in soft and subdued tones. But one
word fell upon Sir Murray's ear, and that word was "love!" He heard
neither the preceding nor the concluding spread over the brightly-tiled
floor--he was standing by their side before they were aware of his
approach, when, with a start of dread, Lady Gernon half rose from her
seat, but only to sink back, gazing at her husband.

For a few moments Sir Murray stood, unable to speak in the calm tones he
desired; for even then he dreaded a scene and the comments of his
guests, when--approaching quite unheard, so that he, too, was in the
midst of the group before his presence wa