At last I bade adieu for ever to this spot, so painfully dear to me. I descended to the avenue. A tall figure approached me--it was Lyle's--"I thought," said he, "that I should find you here; but be not alarmed, I shall not return with you. I recognised your figure leaving the house, and came to prepare you for meeting with Mrs Rashleigh to-night; she is to be among the guests. Lady Amabel's position with regard to this woman is most difficult--but a crisis is at hand; Fairfax is completely in her toils--an _esclandre_ must take place soon. I beseech you do not add to this bad woman's triumph to-night by that heart-broken demeanour which you have lately worn. Ah! Miss Daveney, I shall look for your _entree_ with an anxious eye and beating heart. Pardon my presumption in thus intruding on you, but my interest in your happiness must be my excuse." He took my hand in his, but dropped it immediately, with a sigh; and, lifting his hat, disappeared in an avenue. I went to Lady Amabel's dressing-room. I had not the courage to enter the saloons alone. I need not have been afraid. Clarence was not there when I joined the circle; but I felt as if all the guests were looking at me. I condemned myself for the next few hours to wear "That falsest of false things, a mask of smiles." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lyle's eye met mine--it seemed to haunt me. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ It was an _alfresco_ fete. The heat of the season was over, but the nights were soft and mild. One of the long arcades was enclosed, and lit with variegated lamps; a brilliant moon illuminated the lime-groves; every arrangement was made to conduce to the splendour and pleasure of the scene. I could not stand up to dance. My knees trembled, my teeth chattered, and I felt my lips turn pale as Clarence Fairfax drew near with Mrs Rashleigh. I could not look at her; she was laughing and talking in her usual bold strain, and answering for Clarence questions that were addressed to himself. He saw me not, though he cast himself beside me on the couch--his sash streamed over my dress, his sword rested against my hand, his spur touched my foot. I withdrew it quickly, and moved aside; he begged my pardon for incommoding me. I turned to him to bow, and the crimson tide flushed that fine face. He started up nervously. Mrs Rashleigh rose, too, took his arm, and led him off. She named me to him in my hearing. I heard him say, "Hush! Anna, for mercy's sake; don't remind me of my misdeed." "Anna!"--they were indeed on very familiar terms. She was robed imperially that evening, and looked wonderfully youthful. Whispers passed from lip to lip, as she and Clarence passed up the apartment, and went out into the lime-grove. Others were following them. I sat, trying to talk to Lyle, and smiling vacantly at the polite recognitions of some of the guests.