s concealed by
the silvery quiver of light that fell upon it through the leaves.

Hepworth was the first to speak.

"My lord, you have received my letter, I trust?"

"Yes--and came at once to answer it."

"By your tone, by your manner, I should fear--"

"While this young lady is by, we will not speak of your fears," said the
earl, with a slow motion of the hand. "Clara, you will find your--Lady
Hope. She will, perhaps, be glad to hear that I have returned."

"Not while you meet me and--and Hepworth in this fashion, papa. I don't
like it. One would think you intended to make trouble."

"Foolish child! Go as I tell you."

"Not while you look at me like that. Do you know, papa, that you have
forgotten to kiss me, or even shake hands; and that is a thing I never
saw you guilty of before."

Clara drew close to the haughty man, and turning her mouth into a
half-open apple-blossom, held it up to be kissed.

The earl put her aside gently, but with firmness.

"Go to Lady Hope, as I bade you," he said. "This is no hour for
trifling."

Clara stood motionless. All the color had left her face, even to the
lips.

"Papa, are you in earnest?"

"In earnest? Yes."

"And you mean to refuse this gentleman?"

"Undoubtedly I mean to refuse that gentleman."

There was an emphasis of fine irony laid on the last word, which
Hepworth felt with a sting of indignation; but he controlled himself, in
respect to Clara's presence, and stood aloof, pale and stern as the man
before him.

"I will go," said Clara; "but, before I leave you, let me say one
thing: I love this gentleman. But for that, he never would have spoken
to me or written to you. It was not his fault, or of his seeking. He had
not been here a day before I loved him without knowing it. Now, all the
world may know it for aught I care, for I never will marry any other
man!"

Lord Hope did not reply to her, but turned to Hepworth.

"You have done honorable work, and in a short time!" he said. "I was not
aware that Lady Hope would entertain her relatives in my absence, and
with this result."

Hepworth did not answer then, but turning to Lady Clara, reached out his
hand.

"Let me lead you to the house," he said. "After that I can meet Lord
Hope on more equal terms."

Clara took his arm; but her father interposed.

"I will take charge of the lady," he said, with haughty coldness,
drawing her arm within his, and leading her to the terrace, where he
left her and