He on his part did not appear at all disinclined to have her as a companion, and this threw her a little off her guard.
When she accosted him at first she was under the impression that he was going direct to some appointed spot to meet Chanet.
She had no idea, however, that it was for the purpose of fighting a duel with the young mountaineer, but she dreaded a meeting under any circumstances, and had striven hard to prevail upon her aristocratic lover to return to her mother’s residence.
“You seem very suspicious, Theresa,” said the earl, in a tone of banter. “I don’t know what I have done to give rise to this feeling. However, we are now more than half-way towards the residence where the chevalier is at present sojourning. You will be satisfied, I suppose, if you see me there—see me enter the house.”
“Oh, I am satisfied that you are going there, if that is what you mean,” she returned. “Monsieur de Monpres is a stranger to me, and it would not be seemly for me to be introduced to him under the present circumstances. Perhaps I had better turn back, and make the best of my way home.”
“As you please, Be of good cheer, my darling,” exclaimed the earl. “I will return as soon as possible. Let me have a little license to night, and then we will pass a happy hour or so before bedtime. Come, Theresa, do not be so downcast.” He placed his arms round her shoulders and gave her a long embrace.
“Oh, my lord, this love of mine will be fatal to one or both of us,” she ejaculated. “But of what avail is it to repine? I do love you so.”
“I feel assured of that, Theresa; and so I must leave you to a lonely walk home.”
“Return as soon as possible.”
“I will—I promise that.”