He had not seen her since the day before, when he had in vain sought to overtake her in the wood; and her absence from the dinner-table had seemed to him in pique at his breach of engagement. Was this an endeavor, then, to revive that strange relationship between them, which took every form save love-making, but was all the more dangerous on that account? Or was it merely to take up some commonplace plan of amusement and pleasure,--that mock importance given to trifles which as frequently makes them cease to be trifles? Half careless as to what the invitation portended, and still pondering over his failure, he reached her door and knocked. “Come in,” said she; and he entered. Dressed for dinner with unusual taste and splendor, he had never seen her look so beautiful. For some time back she had observed an almost studied simplicity of dress, rarely wearing an ornament, and distinguishing herself rather by a half Puritanism of style. The sudden change to all the blaze of diamonds, and the softening influence of deep folds of lace, gave a brilliancy to her appearance quite magicial; nor was Cashel's breeding proof against a stare of amazement and admiration. A deeper flush on her cheek acknowledged how she felt his confusion, and, hastening to relieve it, she said,-- “I have but a moment to speak to you. It is almost seven o'clock. You were at 'the cottage' to-day?” “Yes,” said Roland, his cheek growing scarlet as he spoke. “And, doubtless, your visit had some object of importance. Nay, no confessions. This is not curiosity on my part, but to let you know that you were followed. Scarcely had you left this, when Linton set out also, making a circuit by the wood, but at a speed which must have soon overtaken you. He returned some time before you, at the same speed, and entered by the back gate of the stables. From this window I could see him each time.” “Indeed,” said Roland, remembering the figure Mary had seen before the window. “You know my opinion of this man already. He never moves without a plan; and a plan, with him, is ever a treachery.” “He avoids me strangely; we rarely meet now,--never by any chance alone. And even before others there is a forced gayety in his manner that all his artifice cannot pass off for real.” “Have you thwarted him in anything?” “Not that I know of.” “Have you refused him any favor that he sought for?” “Never.” “Is he your debtor for what he ought, but never means, to pay?” “Not even that. What I may have given him has been always without any reserve or thought of restitution.” “Are your affections directed towards the same object?” As she said this, the ease in which she commenced gradually left her, and her cheek grew flushed ere she finished. “I cannot tell. There are no confidences between us; besides, a very bankrupt in love could not envy my solvency. Mine is a heart that cannot threaten dangerous rivalry!” “You cannot be certain of that!” said she, as if thinking aloud.