And when it was finished they had a long talk together, and Erle told Raby about Percy’s hopeless passion, and of the impatience and loathing with which Crystal seemed to turn from her handsome young lover.
“He makes his way with other girls, but not with her,” went on Erle; “and yet he is clever and fascinating, and will be rich, too, some day. It seems strange, does it not. Mr. Ferrers?”
“Not to me,” returned Raby, quietly; but there was a smile on his face as he spoke. “Crystal will never care for your friend, Mr. Huntingdon; it is no use, his persecuting her with his attentions.”
“If I could only get Percy to believe it; but he seems absolutely crazy on that point. Miss Davenport—Miss Ferrers, I mean—is not quite the style I admire; but she is superbly handsome, one must own that.”
“Yes,” replied Raby, with a sigh; “I always said her face would do for Vashti’s. She has Italian blood in her veins; her mother was a Florentine. Oh, here comes Margaret,” as the door opened and she reappeared. “Maggie, what do you think? Mr. Huntingdon has invited me to Belgrave House.”
“My uncle is very hospitable, Miss Ferrers,” observed Erle, with a smile at her surprise; “Percy and I can always ask our friends. He is old, and has his own rooms; so we never interfere with him. Mr. Ferrers would find himself very comfortable with us, and I would take great care of him.”
“You are very good”—but rather doubtfully. “You will not go to London without me, Raby?”
“I think it will be better, Maggie. Mr. Huntingdon has promised to take me over to Beulah Place; we shall go there one evening. Oh, yes, it is all arranged. Please God, I shall bring her home with me,” and there was a strange, beautiful smile on his face as he spoke.
CHAPTER XIX.
AMONG THE SHADOWS.
When no more the shattered senses round the throne of reason dwell,