"I have got something to say to you, when you join us," she whispered to Sir Edward, as the ladies arose to retire. "Don't be overlong."
"I will come at once," he said, as he drew back her chair.
"No—in a half hour. I will be down in the rose-walk, you may join me there."
"On the instant!" he exclaimed—and watched her as she went slowly down the table, flinging a bantering word, here and there, the men bowing, and smiling, and flinging it back again.
"Yes, you may well look at her," said Brandon. "She has the beauty and grace of the best of them at Court. She is the Governor's niece, I take it?"
Parkington nodded. "But she is poor—and, I think, has a little too much morals to get on at Court."
"She will not let her face and figure purchase her place, you mean? I see.—You have decided to go home?" he asked suddenly.
"I am strongly tempted, Brandon, strongly tempted."
"And do you want to be sure of the old Earl's forgiveness?"