“Yes, you are right; only, looking at it all from without as you do, you are mistaken as to Marmaduke’s character. He is easily led away, and very careless about the little attentions that weigh so much with women; but he is thoroughly honorable, and incapable of trifling with Lady Constance. Unfortunately, he is easily imposed on, and impatient of company in which he cannot be a little uproarious. I fear that somebody has taken advantage of this part of his character to establish a great ascendency over him. I”—here Marian became nervous, and controlled her voice with difficulty—“I saw this person once in a theatre; and I can imagine how she would fascinate Marmaduke. She was so clever, so handsome, and—and so utterly abominable. I was angry with Duke for bringing us to the place; and I remember now that he was angry with me because I said she made me shudder.” “Utterly abominable is a strong thing for one woman to say of another,” said Conolly, with a certain sternness. “However, I can understand your having that feeling about her. I know her; and it is through her that I hope to find out his address for you.” “But her address is his address now, Mr. Conolly. I think it is somewhere in West Kensington.” Conolly stopped, and turned upon her so suddenly that she recoiled a step, frightened. “Since when, pray?” “Very lately, I think. I do not know.” They neither moved nor spoke for some moments: she earnestly regretting that she had lingered so far behind her companions in the terrible darkness. He walked on at last faster than before. No more words passed between them until they came out into the moonlight close to the veranda. Then he stopped again, and took off his hat. “Permit me to leave you now,” he said, with an artificial politeness worthy of Douglas himself. “Good-night.” “Good-night,” faltered Marian. He walked gravely away. Marian hurried into the veranda, where she found Jasper and Elinor. The other couple had gone into the drawing-room. “Hallo!” said Jasper, “where is Conolly? I want to say a word to him before he goes.” “He has just gone,” said Marian, pointing across the lawn. Jasper immediately ran out in the direction indicated, and left the two cousins alone together. “Well, Marian,” said Elinor, “do you know that you have taken more than quarter of an hour longer to come from the plantation than we did, and that you look quite scared? Our sweet Constance, as the parson calls her, has been making some kind remarks about it.” “Do I look disturbed? I hope Auntie wont notice it. I wish I could go straight to bed without seeing anybody.” “Why? What is the matter?” “I will tell you to-night when you come in to me. I am disgusted with myself; and I think Conolly is mad.” “Mad!” “On my word, I think Conolly has gone mad,” said Lord Jasper, returning at this moment out of breath and laughing. Elinor, startled, glanced at Marian.