“Adventurer!”
“I mean it in its least offensive sense; but, really, I see no reason why this man's name is to persecute me. I left Ireland half to avoid it. I certainly need not encounter it here.”
“And if you meet him?”
“I shall not meet him. I don't intend to go out so long as we are here, and I trust I can refuse to receive him when at home.”
“I had almost said, Poor fellow!”
“Say it, by all means; compassionate—console him, too, if Skeff has no objection.”
“Oh, Alice!”
“Your own fault, Bella, if I say provoking things. No, mamma,” added she, to some remark from within; “our secrets, as you call them, cannot be overheard; for, first of all, we are talking English; and secondly, there is no person whatever in the street.”
Lady Lyle now made her appearance on the balcony, and soon afterwards they all re-entered the room. Maitland sat hours long on the stone bench, watching with intense eagerness as a shadow would pass or repass behind the curtains, and there he remained till all the lights were out in the hotel and the whole house sunk in silence.