Page:Ethel Churchill 3.pdf/168

166 what I should know you under any disguise; still wear them as a sign that I may hear my fate from your lips. Till then, as through life, Your devoted servant,

."

Lady Marchmont read the note in mute astonishment. She clasped her hands for a moment tightly together, and the blood sprang from the bitten lip; she then slowly, but calmly, approached the table, and rang the hand bell. The servant immediately appeared. "Did you misunderstand my orders?" said she. "I desired Mademoiselle Cecile to say, that I should be at home this morning."

The man appeared a little embarrassed, and replied with some hesitation:—"Lord Marchmont has, perhaps, forgotten to tell your ladyship that he gave the porter a list of names, including all those who were henceforth never to be admitted; and it so happens, your ladyship, that the list includes almost all who have called to-day." "If such were Lord Marchmont's orders,