"Now Collins," said Lady Callonby, "I cannot find the Alpen tree I brought home from the Grundenwald."
Collins hurried forward to her ladyship's side.
Lady Catherine was also called to assist in the search.
I was alone with Lady Jane.
"Now or never," thought I; I hesitated—I stammered—my voice faltered. She saw my agitation; she participated in, and increased it. At last I summoned up courage to touch her hand; she gently withdrew it—but so gently, it was not a repulse.
"If Lady Jane," said I at length, "if the devoted—"
"Holloa, there," said a deep voice without; "is Mr. Lorrequer there?"
It was Lord Kilkee, returned from his coursing match. None but he who has felt such an interruption, can feel for me. I shame to say that his brotherhood to her, for whom I would have perilled my life, restrained me not from something very like a hearty commendation of him to the powers that burn—
"Down, dogs, there—down," continued he, and in a moment after entered the conservatory flushed and heated with the chace.
"Mouche is the winner—two to one—and so, Master Shallow, I owe you a thousand pounds."