Helen was hastening out of the room, Cecilia detained her. “Do not go, my dear, for that would look as if you were guilty, and you know you are innocent. At the first sound of your harp Beauclerc will return—only command yourself for one hour or two.”
“Yes, it will only be for an hour or two,” said Helen, brightening with hope. “You will tell the general to-night Do you think Granville will come back? Where is the harp key?—I dropped it—here it is.” She began to tune the harp. Crack went one string—then another. “That is lucky,” said Lady Cecilia, “it will give you something to do, my love, if the people come in.”
The aide-de-camp entered. “I thought I heard harp-strings going,” said he.
“Several!—yes,” said Lady Cecilia, standing full in his way.
“Inauspicious sounds for us! had omens for my embassy.—Mrs. Holdernesse sent me.”
“I know,” said Lady Cecilia, “and you will have the goodness to tell her that Miss Stanley’s harp is unstrung.”
“Can I be of any use, Miss Stanley?” said he, moving towards the harp.
“No, no,” cried Lady Cecilia, “you are in my service,—attend to me.”
“Dear me, Lady Cecilia! I did not hear what you said.”
“That is what I complain of—hear me now.”