‘And I mustn’t tell Lionne, then, that you caught her?’ said Janie, in a voice of disappointment.
‘Certainly not,’ I replied, decidedly; and I rose to leave her, only half-satisfied that my wishes would be respected. Janie would not disobey me knowingly for the world—she has never attempted such a thing; but her little tongue goes so fast, that she is apt to part with a secret before she knows that it has left her keeping.
When I returned to the breakfast-room, Lionne was already there, pale indeed and rather silent, as she has been for several weeks past, but showing no signs that she was aware of our nocturnal meeting. But as I took her hand in mine, I felt the blood rush up to my temples, and my morning greeting must have been nearly unintelligible to her.
Why did I behave so foolishly? She is in all respects the same woman whom I met yesterday with an ordinary salutation—her manner even has not altered towards me; and yet the mere consciousness that that of which I had been vaguely dreaming is reality, was sufficient to make me almost betray what I feel by the expression of my features.
Is this my boasted strength?
We took a silent meal, and altogether an unprofitable one. I had no appetite; Lionne only trifled with the eatables upon her plate; and I think we both felt relieved when the ceremony was concluded.
I did not see her for the remainder of the morning, for I made an excuse of business, and took my tiffin at the mess. When I returned home at five o’clock, however, I found Janie earnestly persuading her cousin to take a ride on horseback.
‘Do make her go, Robert dear,’ she exclaimed, as soon as I came upon the scene of action. ‘She has not ridden for weeks past, and she does look so pale. I am sure it will be good for her; you know it will, Robert,’ with violent winks and blinks which were sufficient in themselves to make the uninitiated stop to inquire their reason.
‘I daresay it will,’ I answered, obliged to say something. ‘Won’t you be persuaded?’ addressing Lionne.
She hesitated a little, but had no good reason to advance for her hesitation; and after a little more pressing on Janie’s part, retired to put on her habit.