The duke and his lordship politely retreated. Lady Wetheral bestowed her sweetest smile upon her daughter, but it was not seen; and it would have added only to Christobelle's disquiet, if it had met her eye. Her ladyship was very soothing. "No one shall distress you, Bell; but if, as I suspect, Lord Farnborough has spoken to you rather warmly, you must accustom yourself to this sort of thing. Only silly girls are overpowered by a love-speech or two;--do collect yourself, my love, and avoid attracting notice. This is all as it should be, but collect yourself." "Lord Farnborough has not--" Christobelle could not proceed: she felt gasping for breath. "Of course not, my dear Bell. A symphony precedes an air--every thing will steal on in proper order. Rouse yourself. Your father is coming to us--do not appear girlish." Her father's presence and touch revived the spirit of Christobelle. She rose, and leaned upon his arm; she felt better when her father was near her. She entreated to be allowed to walk with _him_--to be with him on the water and on land. She should be quite well and happy, quite composed, if she walked only with _him_--with her father. "My dear Bell, do not shock me by any display of folly. Lord Farnborough is lingering near us--resume his assistance, and let us rejoin the company. We are detaining them on the shore." Lady Wetheral rose, as she spoke, with great composure, but a smile of pleasure lurked beneath her grave and calm expression of countenance. How greatly was she mistaken in the cause of her daughter's emotion! "You shall be my companion, Chrystal," said her father, drawing his daughter's arm within his, "and I will take charge of you. We will not delay the party." This was not quite in the fitness of things. Her ladyship was discomposed. "But, my love, Lord Farnborough will have every reason to feel offended: it wears a very extraordinary appearance that his lordship should be so suddenly deserted. My dear Bell, you cannot altogether desert your companion." "A father's care will not give umbrage to any gentleman, Gertrude. I will attend to my daughter, since she requests it. No one will plead desertion when I am in question." This step discomposed her ladyship's "arrangements," but impediments only roused her mind, and found employment for her energies. All the resources of her genius were brought into full operation by this unfortunate occurrence; and never, in Christobelle's earliest days, did she remember her mother more present to herself--more fitted to contend with the exigencies of the moment. Lord Farnborough joined them as they proceeded towards the lake. Miss Ponsonby flew towards Christobelle, at the same moment. "My dear, I would not intrude while you were under such proper protection, but I hope you are recovered. What was it?--a little megrim?"