I trembled for Annie, for her alone, for the fearful fate that, when Lord Henry first spoke, I believed must be her lot.

Were I at liberty to disclose all, you would not wonder such should have been my feelings, Eugene," she added, in an accent of gentle reproach.

"Must I indeed solemnly and sacredly assure you, that my agitation was occasioned by no lingering affection for Lord Alphingham?
will nothing else satisfy you?
Is it kind, is it generous thus to doubt me ?" Softened at once, ashamed of his own jealous tendency, the young Earl could only implore her forgiveness, assure her he had not the faintest doubt remaining; and suggesting, air would revive her sooner than anything, he drew her to the open window of the adjoining room, which looked out on the little garden, and there they remained in apparently earnest conversation, till Caroline, to her extreme astonishment, was summoned by her cousin to luncheon, and Lord St.Eval suddenly discovered he had permitted the whole morning to slip away in idleness, when he imagined he had so very much to do.
Mr.and Mrs.Hamilton were more grieved than surprised at the intelligence they had heard; but in what manner to act, what measures to take they knew not.

Grahame was expected to arrive in England on the morrow or the next day at the farthest, and his agony they dreaded to witness; they feared lest reports should reach him ere he was in any way prepared, and Mr.Hamilton determined on travelling instantly to Dover, that he might be there ready to receive him, and console to the best of his ability this mistaken but truly affectionate father.

Percy, rousing himself, entered with activity into all his father's plans; but Mrs.
Hamilton fancied that he too had some plan to follow up, which his absence two or three days from home confirmed.