I advised him to take a few hours rest first.
"That will be quite impossible," Worcester answered in a low voice.
The young marquis's pale face certainly did grow paler, as he looked wistfully after Leinster, whose arm I had taken.
First love is all powerful in the head and heart of such an ardent character as Worcester's; and there really was an air of truth about him, which not a little affected me for the moment; therefore, turning back to address him, after I had drawn my arm away from Leinster,—"Perhaps," said I, in a low, laughing voice, "perhaps, Lord Worcester, it may be vain and silly in me to believe that you are disposed to like me; but, as I do almost fancy so, I am come to wish you a good night, and to assure you that I shall remember your taking up my quarrels against my unkind sister, with the gratitude I always feel towards those who are charitable enough to think favourably of me."
Worcester began to look too happy.
"But do not mistake me," I continued, "for I am not one bit in love with you."
Worcester looked humble again.
"In fact," said I, laughing, "my love-days are over. I have loved nothing lately."
"Not the Duke of Leinster?" inquired his lordship, whose anxiety to ascertain this had overcome his fears of seeming impertinent.
"No, indeed," I rejoined, and Worcester's countenance brightened, till he became almost handsome.