The time-piece on the mantel had chimed mid-day.
"He is not punctual," murmured Diana.
Ten minutes elapsed.
"He does not come!" she said aloud.
And her restlessness redoubled.
At length a carriage drove rapidly up to the door; and a long double knock reverberated through the house.
"'Tis he!" cried Diana.
In a few moments the Earl of Warrington entered the room.
"Diana—dearest Diana!" exclaimed the nobleman, starting back when he beheld her countenance covered with that ominous dark veil: "is it indeed thus——"
"Thus that we meet after so long an absence?" added the Enchantress. "Yes, my lord: Mr. Wentworth must have told you as much."