There had been one vivid burst of crimson across Anna Burns’ cheek; then it faded, leaving her paler than before; but she stood there perfectly quiet and self-possessed. “Will you sit down, Mr. Savage? If Miss Halstead will wait a moment she wont have to go down our dark staircase alone.” “Miss Halstead never waits,” returned Georgiana, laughingly; but the childlike glee had forsaken both voice and face. “My errand is a very brief one,” said Horace. “I only wanted to inquire after my little pets, the boys. I hope Miss Burns will not consider me impertinent.” “I thank you,” Anna said; “they are, both of them, out now.” “Dear me, it is very late,” said Georgiana. “Good-by, Miss Burns. You wont forget?” But the voice was colder, and Anna noticed it. “I shall be at Miss Halstead’s command,” she said, gravely. “And I shall do myself the honor of seeing her safely down the stairs,” said Horace. She did not seem to hear him, but ran away through the passage. He stood a second irresolute. Anna’s grave face did not change; and after a few confused words he followed Georgiana Halstead down the stairs. CHAPTER XIV. LOVE AND MALICE. Savage walked home with Georgiana Halstead, but there was little conversation between them. She was a good deal excited, and walked with a quick, almost impetuous step, while her eyes brightened, her lips parted, and a warm red came into her cheeks. She said nothing, and seemed almost to wish the handsome young fellow by her side far away; his presence annoyed her. Savage was grave, anxious, and so pre-occupied that he did not observe this change in the graceful young creature whose friendship had always been so dear to him. When they reached Mrs. Halstead’s residence he hesitated a moment, lifted his hat, and said, with a smile, “May I go in, Miss Georgie?” “Certainly, of course; how rude I was,” she answered, and the color on her cheeks flushed over her whole face in a scarlet cloud. “They will all be glad to see you.” “But I would rather see you alone, just for once, in your own pretty room—is it quite inadmissible?” “In my room? Well, why not? Come this way. I only hope Aunt Eliza won’t be looking over the bannisters.” Georgie laughed, in spite of all the painful feelings that swelled her young heart, when she looked upward, with her foot upon the first stair, and saw the long face of Miss Eliza peering down upon her. Savage, too, caught a glimpse of the restless female, and joined Georgie in her sweet, low laugh, but decorously pretended not to see that tall figure as it drew back and darted away. The young people entered Georgie’s little sitting-room. Savage placed his hat on one of the mosaic tables, Georgie placed her bonnet beside it, and threw her India shawl across a chair, unconsciously forming a sumptuous drapery which swept the carpet.