"Don't try to force or bully me into compliance, young man. At my own time, and in my own way alone, will I gratify your curiosity."
"Well, be it so—to-morrow. I will meet you at the Lodge at nine to-morrow."
She rose from her seat; regarded me with the same withering glance and cutting smile, and gliding past me, vanished among the trees.
Exulting in my success, I exclaimed—"Thank God I shall know all to-morrow!"
AN EXPLANATION—DEPARTURE—DISAPPOINTMENT.
I was so elated with the unexpected result of my meeting with Dinah North, that it was not until I missed the fairy figure of my sweet cousin at the supper-table, that my mind reverted to the conversation that had passed between us in the Park.
"Where is Miss Moncton?" I asked of Sir Alexander, in a tone and manner which would have betrayed the agitation I felt, to a stranger.
"She is not well, Geoffrey, has a bad headache, or is nervous, I forget which, and begged to be excused joining us to-night. These little female complaints are never dangerous, so don't look alarmed. My girl is no philosopher, and this double parting affects her spirits. She will be all right again when you come back."
I sighed involuntarily. The provoking old man burst into a hearty laugh.