Page:Bianca, or, The Young Spanish Maiden (Toru Dutt).djvu/45

380 close to each other, side by side, galloping at full speed across open meadows, he smiling and sometimes clasping her hand, She looked a little too slim and pale; she had not yet quite recovered her strength; but the exercise and the fresh air soon brought the blood to her cheeks. After a ride of two hours they came back to Moore-house. She placed her small brown hand very lightly on his shoulder as he helped her down. She was just patting the horse when she heard a sudden joyous cry of "Bianca." She turned round, but Willie had hidden himself behind his brother who catching him in his arms, placed him on the saddle. Willie was delighted. "Walk the ho'ss." He said in his royal way. 'You hold Will, my lord, and I’ll take the bridle;" said Bianca. They were all three laughing gaily when three equestrians entered the yard. it was Mr. and Mrs. Owen and Margaret. Bianca stopped; all her merriment died out of her face. Mr. Owen had lighted on the ground and was helping the ladies to dismount. He turned towards Bianca, and bowed with a polite smile on his lips; "I have the pleasure to speak with Miss Garcia, I believe." Bianca turned her eyes towards him, a scornful smile parted her lips. "We broke off all connection with you Mr. Owen, long ago, I do not wish to renew it," And she walked away. She had barely reached the end of the avenue, when Lord Moore joined her. "Why are you so angry? Don’t you know he is my cousin?" "Je ne vous on fais pas mon compliment," in a cool sarcastic voice. "Bianca!" his tender, yet reproachful tone at her cold manner, smote her to the quick. Impetuously she put both her hands into his; "I was wrong to speak to you so; will my lord pardon me?" "Pardon you what, my Bianca?" smiling and stooping down to kiss her forehead. She clasped his hand closer, and spoke earnestly; "My lord, take care of that man; he is a bold bad man. He mustn't come here often." He smiled at her tone of command. "What do you know against him, Bianca? Many things, eh?" "One thing, my lord," she replied; "but that is enough." You puzzle me, Bianca, with your severe haughty little face. She shook her head, as if hurt at his somewhat light tone. "Goodbye" she said;—"What going already?" "Yes,I hate