“My anxiety is divided. Surely,” she continued, almost in a whisper, “you will not be so foolish as to commence a quarrel in this unreasonable manner? What will Marie and her mother think, should they hear of it? What right had you to ask for an explanation of Mr. Hamilton’s looks? You are seeking a quarrel, and do you think by acting in this manner you are likely to increase my regard for you? Oh, Oscar! have you forgotten what you said about a double crime——” The music played loudly, and Hildegarde bent towards her cousin, and continued to speak for some time. Raimund’s countenance cleared by degrees, he raised his eyes to her face with an expression of undisguised admiration and love, and then whispered an answer, which made her blush and turn away. “You know your influence with me is unbounded. On this condition I will do or say whatever you please,” he added, endeavouring to catch her eye. “It is ungenerous of you to take advantage of my fears,” said Hildegarde, rising. Hamilton asked her if she wished to return to her father; she seemed scarcely to hear him, appearing lost in thought for some moments. She again consulted the countenance of her two companions, again became anxious, and finally turning to Raimund, said, with some embarrassment, “After all, it is not worth talking so much about—I accept the condition—perform your promise.” “Time and place to be chosen by me?” said Raimund, loud and eagerly. “Do not make any more conditions,” cried Hildegarde, impatiently, “but perform your promise at once.” “This must be understood,” said Raimund, “or else——” Hamilton felt himself growing very angry; he turned to leave them, when Count Raimund called him back: “Mr. Hamilton, a moment, if you please. Hildegarde has convinced me that I have been altogether in the wrong just now. If I have offended you, I am sorry for it; I hope you do not expect me to say more!” “I did not expect you to say so much,” replied Hamilton, coldly. A sudden flush once more overspread Raimund’s face, an internal struggle seemed to take place, but after a glance towards Hildegarde, he said calmly, “If I did not feel that I had been the aggressor, not even the offered bribe could have induced me to apologise.” “Bribe—offered!” exclaimed Hildegarde, almost indignantly. “No, not offered. Favour conceded, if you like it better—we will not dispute about words. Mr. Hamilton, my cousin is free, and can dance when she pleases.” “I imagine she could have done so before, had she wished it,” said Hamilton, haughtily. Raimund walked away as if he had not heard him, and buckled on his sword with an air of perfect satisfaction. Hamilton stood by Hildegarde as if he were turned to stone. The words which had been so mysteriously spoken seemed to have completely petrified him. Hildegarde, too, stood immovable for a minute, and then turned as if to leave him. “Do you not wish to dance?” asked Hamilton, in a constrained voice.