CHAPTER VIII.
LOOSE ABOUT THE WORLD.
The Countess was seen no more on that day,--was no more seen at least by either of the two brothers.

Miss Mellerby was with her now and again, but on each occasion only for a few minutes, and reported that Lady Scroope was ill and could not appear at dinner.

She would, however, see her nephew before he started on the following morning.
Fred himself was much affected by the interview with his aunt.

No doubt he had made a former promise to his uncle, similar to that which had now been exacted from him.

No doubt he had himself resolved, after what he had thought to be mature consideration that he would not marry the girl, justifying to himself this decision by the deceit which he thought had been practised upon him in regard to Captain O'Hara.