"No; but I must ask it you—and in saddest seriousness—before I speak further."
Her lips sought his, and pressed them ardently.
"Our secret is discovered—your father even suspects it—we must fly—will you be mine?—Hush! what is that?—hush!—I heard a door shut.—Hark! yes, a footstep—do you not hear it?—a hurried step.—It comes this way—good God! what shall we do?"
Blanche trembled with fright as the heavy sounds of an approaching step smote upon her ears; but, with a sudden inspiration, she dragged Cecil into her room, and opening her window leaned out as if star-gazing, though the sky was starless. At length the sharp ring of the footsteps upon the stone terrace was heard, and a male figure was dimly visible. It came right opposite the window.
"Blanche! not yet in bed?" said Captain Heath; "and breathing the autumnal night-air too?"
She shook slightly, but answered, "Yes. The night-air cools me."
Cecil was greatly agitated, but held his breath and listened. Nothing more was said for some seconds; at last Blanche asked him what brought him out so late.
"Inability to remain in doors. I have just had an interview with him, which has greatly agitated me. He shewed himself selfish, foolish, and contemptible."
Cecil was on the point of starting up, but restrained himself on remembering where he was. Blanche was hurt, and replied, "Silence on that subject. Remember you are speaking of one who is to be my husband."
"God forbid!" he exclaimed.