"Walk in, if you please, Ma'am, that I may re-lock the door. I shall return to let you out in an hour."
The sound of the officer's voice caught the attention of Ferdinand, and he looked towards the door-way, from the shade of which the trembling Clara was now forced to advance.
"Miss Montagu," cried Prince Ferdinand, who had seen her at one of Elvira's parties, and had thought her so pretty as to inquire her name,—"this is an unhoped-for pleasure; I did not expect this."
"I came—I came—" stammered Clara: and here she stopped short, for upon recollection she really could not tell why she did come.
"I am delighted to see you," said the prince, smiling, and taking her hand, "whatever may be the cause that has procured me this honour."
"I—I—I—had—rather—sit—down," stammered Clara, without having the least idea what she was talking about.
"Well then, we will sit down," said Ferdinand: and, gently placing her upon a chair, he drew one to her side, and again took her hand.
