THE MURDER IN THE WOOD.—See Number 17.
“‘What mischief can befal you here? Oh! how silly, Edward; if I had made such a speech, you’d have laughed at me. Why, even good cousin, with her wonderful ghost stories, would smile at you talking of ‘presentiments.’
“‘Still, such is the fact, Lady Bray, and, if it must be confessed, I am very much depressed at moments.’
“‘Oh, what a fine fellow to be a captain of cadets! Why, if I were a man, I’d fear nothing. Oh, Clare, do come here; here’s Lawrence discoursing of presentiments, and is certain that something very horrible is about to happen to him!’
“‘Well, think as you may, cousin,’ said Clare, ‘I myself rose with forebodings of coming unpleasantness this morning; and it has come strictly true.’
“‘Forebodings, Clare! Well, I know that a gentleman called to day. I hope it was that. It couldn’t have been so very unpleasant, judging from his animated appearance when escorting you home; but both of you appear to agree so well upon the subject of presentiments, I shall stroll in the garden and allow you to discuss its merits at full.’
“‘But, how extraordinary it is,’ said Clare, ‘that so many great events should have befallen you on one day. To think, that after so many years, you should have discovered your relations; that on the same day you should have graduated and resolved to change your residence.’
“‘But if I go, I shall still be near all my friends,’ replied Lawrence, ‘for you always go to France for the winter months.’