I did not answer; indeed, at the time, I knew not what was said; but I mechanically looked up, and saw Mr.Hargrave standing beside me on the rug.
'Shall I get you a glass of wine ?' said he.
'No, thank you,' I replied; and, turning from him, I looked round.

Lady Lowborough was beside her husband, bending over him as he sat, with her hand on his shoulder, softly talking and smiling in his face; and Arthur was at the table, turning over a book of engravings.

I seated myself in the nearest chair; and Mr.Hargrave, finding his services were not desired, judiciously withdrew.

Shortly after, the company broke up, and, as the guests were retiring to their rooms, Arthur approached me, smiling with the utmost assurance.
'Are you very angry, Helen ?' murmured he.
'This is no jest, Arthur,' said I, seriously, but as calmly as I could--'unless you think it a jest to lose my affection for ever.' 'What! so bitter ?' he exclaimed, laughingly, clasping my hand between both his; but I snatched it away, in indignation--almost in disgust, for he was obviously affected with wine.
'Then I must go down on my knees,' said he; and kneeling before me, with clasped hands, uplifted in mock humiliation, he continued imploringly--'Forgive me, Helen--dear Helen, forgive me, and I'll never do it again!' and, burying his face in his handkerchief, he affected to sob aloud.
Leaving him thus employed, I took my candle, and, slipping quietly from the room, hastened up-stairs as fast as I could.

But he soon discovered that I had left him, and, rushing up after me, caught me in his arms, just as I had entered the chamber, and was about to shut the door in his face.
'No, no, by heaven, you sha'n't escape me so!' he cried.