'but, as it is, there is only one way by which I can manage it.'

'What way?' enquired Miss Temple, very innocently.

'I forget,' replied Ferdinand, with a peculiar smile. Miss Temple looked
a little confused.

CHAPTER X.

_Evening Stroll_.

IN SPITE of his perilous situation, an indefinable sensation of
happiness pervaded the soul of Ferdinand Armine, as he made his hurried
toilet, and hastened to the domestic board of Ducie, where he was now
the solitary guest. His eye caught Miss Temple's as he entered the room.
It seemed to beam upon him with interest and kindness. His courteous
and agreeable host welcomed him with polished warmth. It seemed that a
feeling of intimacy was already established among them, and he fancied
himself already looked upon as an habitual member of their circle.
All dark thoughts were driven away. He was gay and pleasant, and duly
maintained with Mr. Temple that conversation in which his host excelled.
Miss Temple spoke little, but listened with evident interest to her
father and Ferdinand. She seemed to delight in their society, and to be
gratified by Captain Armine's evident sense of her father's agreeable
qualities. When dinner was over they all rose together and repaired to
the salon.

'I wish Mr. Glastonbury were here,' said Miss Temple, as Ferdinand
opened the instrument. 'You must bring him some day, and then our
concert will be perfect.'

Ferdinand smiled, but the name of Glastonbury made him shudder. His
countenance changed at the future plans of Miss Temple. 'Some day,'
indeed, when he might also take the opportunity of introducing his
betrothed! But the voice of Henrietta Temple drove all care from his
bosom; he abandoned himself to the intoxicating present. She sang alone;
and then they sang together; and as he arranged her books, or selected
her theme, a thousand instances of the interest with which she inspired
him developed themselves. Once he touched her hand, and he pressed his
own, unseen, to his lips.

Though the room was lit up, the windows were open and admitted the
moonlight. The beautiful salon was full of fragrance and of melody;
the fairest of women dazzled Ferdinand with her presence; his heart was
full, his senses ravished, his hopes were high. Could there be such a
demon as care in such a paradise? Could sorrow ever enter here? Was it
possible that these bright halls and odorous bowers could be polluted
by the miserable considerations that reign