Page:The Semi-attached Couple.djvu/83

 "Did you name Thursday? "

"I said the sooner the better—that you would be very uneasy till they came, and that I should hardly be able to persuade you to stay at St. Mary's much longer without them."

"It was only because mamma was alone that I wished to go to her now," said Helen, timidly, for she felt a change of tone in the conversation, "and I thought she would be unhappy."

"Oh! it requires no excuse; nothing can be more natural. It is only a matter of surprise to me, Helen, how you ever prevailed on yourself to leave her. I ought to be flattered that I had influence enough to persuade you to take such a step, though it is rather a check to my vanity to find I cannot prevent your regretting it."

"Dear Teviot, I have never expressed any regret, I am sure."

"No, you are much too guarded, too careful of giving offence, I mean; and besides, let us hope that even moments of happiness, since you can have no more"

"Has that offended you? Oh, Teviot, how you will misunderstand me!"

"I am very unfortunate, certainly; my want of comprehension is most distressing. Perhaps if our feelings were more the same, my obtuseness would not be so great; but, as it is, I am not sufficiently cool and guarded to judge calmly. I hoped I had at last found a way to please you; however, it is of no consequence. I have intruded on your ladyship's horticultural pursuits, I fear," he said, with a bad imitation of playfulness; "you must have wished me away repeatedly, and as I have hardly time for a gallop before dinner, I have the honour to take my leave."

"I thought you meant to ride in the evening, but I can be ready in a moment."

"It is just possible that I may be able to ride twice in