The Haunted Chamber

earse her part except in full company, though Mr. Dynecourt has made many attempts to induce her to favor him with a private reading of those scenes in which he and she must act togethe

n's sight would be welcome to her; so that she listens ki

seat beside hers. "Except a devotion to her that is singularly sincere, I know of nothing ab

idow, tapping his arm lightly with her fan. "Sh

ell when Adrian addresses her,

n tries to hide her confusion by a smile. But the smile is forced, and Arthur

st"-here he drops his eyes-"I believe, with a little judicious mana

with her fan. "I can not say I have noticed that hi

I might be open with you," he adds, breaking off abruptly and assu

each o

world and its ways-a woman young and beautiful certainly, but yet conversant with the convénances of society? Such a woman would rescue Adrian from the shoals and quicksands that

ghtly, and blushes a goo

st on this point is surely without motive; as, were he never to marry, were he to leave no heir, were he to die some sudden dea

silent. She merely bo

calculated to sustain his rank in the world," continues Dynecourt. "As I have said b

lters Dora Ta

"Mrs. Talbot, pardon me if I have been imp

moment, then, suddenly remembering that smiles do

r me," she

you are not angry, and so I am emboldened to say plainly, I would gladl

Oh,

me if I go too far-e

s it were-thrown on my own judgment for the answering of every question that arises. I would gladly acknowledge a superior head. I would have some one to help me now and then with a word

man"-gravely. "I would

l-feigned alarm. "You would not even hint to

supremely happy! I envy you! With your fascinations and"-insinuatingly-"a word in season from me, I

n any way," interrupts D

rian may some day be hers? Apart from his wealth, she regards him with very tender feelings, and of late she has

of Adrian's way, all may yet be well, and her host may

the beautiful girl has grown out of his knowledge of her money-bags. Still, she argues to herself, his love is true and fai

our presence, you have been aware of the hopeless passion that is consuming me. I may be mad, but I still think that, with opportunities and time, I might make myself at least tolerated by Miss Delmaine

n and Florence have been almost inseparable. To now meet with one

ou," she says

n Ringwood and Miss Villiers approaching. "Hush! Not another word! I rely upon you. Above all things, remember that what has occurred

e gone to their rooms, she puts on her dressing-gown, dismisses her maid, a

d it again, goes over to where Florence is sitting while her maid is br

Let me be your maid for once. Remember how I used to do i

nce, laughing. "Good-night, Parkins.

takes up the ivory-handled brush and g

on leading up to the subject she

rather uncivil to Arthur D

civ

know, I am afraid Sir Adrian has noticed it, and aren't you afraid he wi

favorite cou

her all day long, but, if any one else happened to say one disparaging word of him in his presence, it put him

follow any one about from place to place as he has followed me

he has lost his head about you. That

ys resent suc

must say devoted to you. He is handsome too, is he not; and

orence, with a little laugh; but her words so

usehold where one is a guest to show him pointed rudeness. You give all the others acting in this play ample opportunities

lmly; adding, "Your two or th

your dislike to him arose from the fact that you were piq

these words, but the effect prod

eases her hair from her cousin's g

from very different feelings. He is distasteful to me in many ways; but, as I am undesirous that my manner should give occasion for sur

ion bravely. "It is always a mark of folly to defy public opinion. Do not wait for him to ask you again to go through your play wit

sinclination to the course recommended. "And, Dora, I don't think I w

bot's speedy departure; and, that lady taking th

him half an hour in the north gallery to try over his part with her, as she considers it will be better, and m

hour for them to meet. Miss Delmaine, having given a grave assent to t

the hall, gives her an expressive glance, and tells her in