Whether the excitement of the occasion gave unwonted lustre to Beppy's eyes, we know not, but it is certain that Atherton felt their force more than he had ever done before.
"I wonder whether you will return to Manchester when the campaign is over, Captain Legh?" she inquired, looking rather languishingly at him as she spoke.
"Does Miss Byrom care to see me again?" he asked. "If so, I shall make a point of coming back, supposing I am able to do so."
"You pay me a great compliment," she remarked. "But surely, I am not the only person you desire to see again? You must have many dear friends?"
"I have none," he replied, rather gloomily. "You know I am quite alone in the world. If I fall in this expedition, not a tear will be shed for me."
"There you are mistaken," she rejoined, in a sympathetic tone. "But you speak rather bitterly. I fear you have been badly treated."
"No, I have no right to complain. I am only paying the penalty of my folly. I have been deluded by false hopes; but I shall try to act more sensibly in future."
"An excellent resolution, and I trust you will keep to it. Never fall in love again—if you can help it. That's my advice."
"But you don't expect me to follow it?"
"I have no influence over you, and cannot therefore expect you to be guided by my counsels. But I repeat—don't fall in love again."