CHAPTER CXXII.
A CHANGE OF FORTUNE.
IT was about three o'clock in the afternoon that the Earl of Warrington alighted from his horse at the door of Mrs. Arlington's residence in Dover Street.
Giving his horse in charge to his mounted groom, the nobleman entered the dwelling.
The Enchantress received him in the drawing-room; but, to her surprise, the air of the earl was cold and formal.
He seated himself in a chair at a distance from the sofa which Diana occupied; and for some moments he uttered not a word.
A sentiment of pride prevented her from saying any thing to elicit an explanation of his ceremonial manner, because she was not aware that she was guilty of a fault meriting such treatment.
At length that silence, most embarrassing to both, was broken by the earl.
"Diana," he said, "we must separate. You have conducted yourself in a manner that has made me the laughing-stock of all who know me."
"My lord!" exclaimed Diana, perfectly astonished at this accusation; "you must have been misinformed; or you are bantering me."
"Neither the one nor the other," replied the earl. "You may probably conceive whether I am inclined to jest, when I state that your kind consideration towards Sir Rupert Harborough has reached my ears."