"My silly heart incommodes me. I strive to tell you, my lord, that you have done the best that could be—for Mr. Lyndwood and your honour."
Still she would not look at him, and he rose in his seat.
"If he is spared what I endure now," he said unsteadily, "through any act of mine, he hath cause to thank me."
Now she slowly turned her eyes on him.
"There is one we do not speak of," she whispered. "What of Miss Hilton?"
His pale face darkened.
"She knows why I seek her hand, and assents to the dictates of her ambition."
"Maybe of her father," said Miss Boyle. "She is very young."
"I cannot find it in me to pity her, madam, for this honour I do her. She will find me courteous, as I doubt not I shall find her obedient."
A sudden smile radiated Miss Boyle's ardent face.