This question came from her with sudden celerity, like lightning out of a cloud, and she bent her eyes on him with that prodigious keenness she could throw into those steel gray orbs, when her mind put on its full power of observation. Severne colored a little, and hesitated. “Come now,” said this keen witch, “don't wait to make up a reason. Tell the truth for once--quick!--quick!--why did _you_ come to meet _me?”_ “I didn't come to be bullied,” replied supple Severne, affecting sullenness. “You didn't!” cried the other, acting vast surprise. “Then what _did_ you come for?” “I don't know; and I wish I hadn't come.” “That I believe.” Rhoda shot this in like an arrow. “But,” continued Severne, “if I hadn't, nobody would; for it is Vizard's justicing day, and the ladies are too taken up with a lord to come and meet such vulgar trifles as genius and learning and sci--” “Come, come!” said Rhoda, contemptuously; “you care as little about science and learning and genius as I possess them. You won't tell me? Well, I shall find you out.” Then, after a pause, “Who is this lord?” “Lord Uxmoor.” “What kind of a lord is he?” “A very bushy lord.” “Bushy?--oh, bearded like the pard! Now tell me,” said she, “is he cutting you out with Miss Vizard?” “You shall judge for yourself. Please spare me on that one topic--if you ever spared anybody in your life.” “Oh, dear me!” said Rhoda, coolly. “I'm not so very cruel. I'm only a little vindictive and cat-like. If people offend me, I like to play with them a bit, and amuse myself, and then kill them--kill them--kill them; that is all.” This pretty little revelation of character was accompanied with a cruel smile that showed a long row of dazzling white teeth. They seemed capable of killing anything from a liar up to a hickory-nut. Severne looked at her and gave a shudder. “Then Heaven forbid you should ever be my enemy!” said he, sadly, “for I am unhappy enough already.” Having delivered this disarming speech, he collapsed, and seemed to be overpowered with despondency. Miss Gale showed no signs of melting. She leaned back and eyed him with steady and composed curiosity, as a zoologist studying a new specimen and all its little movements. They drove up to the Hall door, and Miss Gale was conducted to the drawing-room, where she found Lord Uxmoor and the two young ladies. Zoe shook hands with her. Fanny put a limp paw into hers, which made itself equally limp directly, so Fanny's dropped out. Lord Uxmoor was presented to her, at his own request. Soon after this luncheon was announced. Vizard joined them, welcomed Rhoda genially, and told the party he had ordered the break, and Uxmoor would drive them to the farm round by Hillstoke and the Common. “And so,” said he, “by showing Miss Gale our most picturesque spot at once, we may perhaps blind her to the horrors of her situation--for a time.”