s. This is not curiosity on my part, but to let you know that
you were followed. Scarcely had you left this, when Linton set out
also, making a circuit by the wood, but at a speed which must have soon
overtaken you. He returned some time before you, at the same speed, and
entered by the back gate of the stables. From this window I could see
him each time."

"Indeed," said Roland, remembering the figure Mary had seen before the
window.

"You know my opinion of this man already. He never moves without a plan;
and a plan, with him, is ever a treachery."

"He avoids me strangely; we rarely meet now,--never by any chance alone.
And even before others there is a forced gayety in his manner that all
his artifice cannot pass off for real."

"Have you thwarted him in anything?"

"Not that I know of."

"Have you refused him any favor that he sought for?"

"Never."

"Is he your debtor for what he ought, but never means, to pay?"

"Not even that. What I may have given him has been always without any
reserve or thought of restitution."

"Are your affections directed towards the same object?"

As she said this, the ease in which she commenced gradually left her,
and her cheek grew flushed ere she finished.

"I cannot tell. There are no confidences between us; besides, a very
bankrupt in love could not envy my solvency. Mine is a heart that cannot
threaten dangerous rivalry!"

"You cannot be certain of that!" said she, as if thinking aloud.

Fortunately, Cashel did not hear the words, but stood in deep revery for
some seconds.

"There! the second bell has rung; I must leave you. My Lord comes down
to dinner to-day. It is by his orders that I am thus showily dressed.
Linton has been filling his mind with stories of some embassy he is to
have, and we are already rehearsing 'our excellencies!' I have but time
to say, Be on your guard; Linton is no common enemy, nor does it need an
injury to make him one."

"It is very rude of me, I know, to interrupt so interesting a
_tete-a-tete_, but Mr. Cashel's cook has feelings also at stake."

These words were spoken by Lord Kilgoff, who, in a tone of no small
irritation, now joined them.

"I was speaking of your mission, my Lord."

"Which you forgot, of course, was not to be mentioned,--even to so
sincere a well-wisher as Mr. Cashel."

"In any case, my Lord, it remains safe in my keeping."

"Very possibly, sir; but it is a poor earnest Lady Kilgoff gives of her
fitness