CHAPTER XXV. — "SOMEBODY ELSE."
But Barold did not make any very ardent search for Lucia. He stopped to watch a game of lawn-tennis, in which Octavia and Lord Lansdowne had joined, and finally forgot Lady Theobald's errand altogether.
For some time Octavia did not see him. She was playing with great spirit, and Lord Lansdowne was following her delightedly.
Finally a chance of the game bringing her to him, she turned suddenly, and found Barold's eyes fixed upon her.
"How long have you been there?" she asked.
"Some time," he answered. "When you are at liberty, I wish to speak to you."
"Do you?" she said.
She seemed a little unprepared for the repressed energy of his manner, which, he strove to cover by a greater amount of coldness than usual.
"Well," she said, after thinking a moment, "the game will soon be ended. I am going through the conservatories with Lord Lansdowne in course of time; but I dare say he can wait."
She went back, and finished her game, apparently enjoying it as much as ever. When it was over, Barold made his way to her.