"Do you find Miss Powle clever?"
"I didn't know she was, so much, before," said Miss Broadus, "but she has been playing like a witch this evening. There Eleanor—you are in check."
Eleanor was equal to that emergency, and relieved her king from danger with a very skilful move. She could keep her wits, though her cheek was high-coloured and her hand had a secret desire to be nervous. Eleanor would not let it; and Mr. Carlisle admired the very pretty fingers which paused quietly upon the chess-men.
"Do not forget a proper regard for the interests of the church, Miss
Broadus," he remarked.
"Why, I never do!" said Miss Broadus. "What do you mean? Oh, my bishop!—Thank you, Mr. Carlisle."
Eleanor did not thank him, for the bishop's move shut up her play in a corner. She did her best, but her king's resources were cut off; and after a little shuffling she was obliged to surrender at discretion. Miss Broadus arose, pleased, and reiterating her thanks to Mr. Carlisle, and walked away; as conscious that her presence was no more needed in that quarter.
"Will you play with me?" said Mr. Carlisle, taking the chair Miss
Broadus had quitted.
"Yes," said Eleanor, glad of anything to stave off what she dreaded; "but I am not—"
"I am no match for you," she was going to say. She stopped suddenly and coloured more deeply.
"What are you not?" asked the gentleman, slowly setting his pawns.