Such was the fascination which she could exercise at pleasure, that I scarcely observed the extraordinary length of time which Lord Frederick took to execute his mission. I was beginning, however, to wonder that he did not return, when I was once more accosted by the black domino. 'Infatuated girl!' said he, in the low impressive whisper, to which I now began to listen with alarm, 'whither are you going?' 'Home,' returned I, 'where I wish I had been an hour ago.' 'Are you false as well as weak?' rejoined the mask. 'You are not destined to see home this night.' 'Not see home!' repeated I, with amazement. 'What is it you mean,--or have you any meaning beyond a teasing jest?' 'I know,' replied the mask, 'that the carriage waits which conveys you to Scotland.' I started at the odd coincidence between the stranger's intelligence and my previous conversation with Lord Frederick. Yet a moment's consideration convinced me, that his behaviour either proceeded from waggery or mistake. 'Get better information,' said I, 'before you commence fortune-teller. It is my father's carriage and servants that wait for me.' The mask shook his head, and retreated without answering. I enquired of Lady St Edmunds whether she knew him, but she was unacquainted with his appearance. I was just going to relate to her the strange conversation which he had carried on with me in an under-voice, when Lord Frederick returned to tell me, that the carriage was at the door; adding, that he feared he must hasten me, lest it should be obliged to drive off. Hastily taking leave of Lady St Edmunds, Miss Arnold and I took each an arm of Lord Frederick, and hurried down stairs. My foot was already on the step of the carriage, when I suddenly recoiled:-- 'This is not our carriage?' cried I. 'It is mine, which is the same thing,' said Lord Frederick. 'No, no! it is not the same,' said I, with quickness; the warning of the black domino flashing on my recollection. 'I should greatly prefer going in my own.' 'I fear,' returned Lord Frederick, 'that it will be impossible for yours to come up in less than an hour or two.' I own, I felt some pleasure on hearing him interrupted by the voice of my strange adviser. 'If Miss Percy will trust to me,' said he, 'I shall engage to place her in her carriage, in one tenth part of that time.' 'Trust you!' cried Lord Frederick very angrily.--'And who are you?' 'Miss Percy's guard for the present,' answered the mask dryly. 'Her guard!' exclaimed Lord Frederick. 'From whom?' 'From you, my Lord, if you make it necessary,' retorted the stranger. 'Oh mercy,' interrupted Miss Arnold, 'here will be a quarrel:--do, for heaven's sake, Ellen, let us be gone.'