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198 He goes into no society, participates in no amusement, and, verily, seems to be performing as much penance as even your displeasure could justify."

The Chevalier was evidently confounding the two brothers, but it could now only be Robert of whom he was speaking. To undeceive him appeared both impossible and unnecessary—at least at present—for a thousand improbable schemes of communication with Evelyn, through his means, flashed across Francesca's mind, though only to be instantly dismissed. To pursue the conversation, however, on indifferent subjects was now unbearable; her thoughts wandered, and if she still heard the sound of De Joinville's voice, the sense of his words was lost upon the air. With much good-nature he allowed their discourse, or rather his own, to drop gradually into silence, and employed himself in wondering if she still loved Evelyn, that his name could thus move her; "and if so," thought he, "I shall believe in disinterested attachment lasting upon nothing."

But Francesca was not permitted the luxury of solitude and reflection; vain was the attempt to seek her own chamber, and indulge in one quiet half hour, for at that very moment three cavaliers rode up the avenue. Lord Avonleigh, first summoning all his household, hurried to receive them.