Page:Bianca, or, The Young Spanish Maiden (Toru Dutt).djvu/42

Rh love-affair in a very suspicious light." "How lightly you speak Henry is too much set on it, he will end by marrying that girl ;" and my lady sighed. "Is your ladyship averse to the match?" The question was asked in an eager, anxious manner though Mr. Owen tried hard to appear calm as usual. "Yes" "I shall do anything to help your ladyship, for I do not think it on any account a desirable marriage." "Will you try and help me?" "With all my heart. I am under deep obligations to your ladyship. Can I ever forget who first lighted up for me the mysteries of this book"—and he solemnly touched a Bible, lying on Lady Moore's work—table. My lady smiled grimly, greatly flattered. Poor Lady Moore! Not even you, with all your acuteness, wore able to penetrate into the heart of Mr. Owen;—it he had One, winch is, dour reader, very much to be doubted.

The ladies had just left the table, and Lord Moore was sitting alone with Mr. Owen. The former was peeling a peach carefully and slowly, as though his thoughts were elsewhere. Mr. Owen was sipping champagne and keeping a steady eye on Lord Moore's face. Lord Moore loft the peach untasted on his plate, and rising went to the window. "It is a fine night, I think I‘ll take a walk." Said he. Mr. Owen came behind him and put his hand in a kind elder—brotherly way on my lords shoulder. "I know where you are going cousin!" Said he laughing, then taking a serious air; "You’d better take care!" "That do you mean?" Said Lord Moore, moving further off a little; Owen's familiar manner irritated him. Mr. Owen shifted his ground, and spoke half—jestingly. "I have seen you lately enter a certain house, and I wondered what could make you so assiduous in your visits. I have found the clue." "You watched me!" "No indeed, how can you say that?" In a tone of mild reproach. "Who told you then, Mr. Owen?" "My wife; She saw a pretty brown-eyed dark-haired damsel in the garden of that certain house, and of course, as a dutiful wife, told me about it." "Do you know the Garcias?" Mr. Owen smiled; it was a shrewd smile; it seemed to imply, "I should not like to have that honour;" he hoped Lord Moore would see that smile,