Page:The Wanderer (1814 Volume 1).pdf/342

This page has been validated.

( 310 )

back myself merely for something which I forgot."

"I was fearful," said Ellis, anxious to clear up her eager reception, "that something might have happened to Lady Aurora; I am extremely happy to hear that all is safe."

"And you will have the charity, I hope, to make me a little breakfast? for I have tasted nothing yet this morning."

Again he took both her hands, and led her to the seat which she had just quitted at the table.

She was extremely embarrassed. She felt reluctant to refuse a request so natural; yet she was sure that Mrs. Howel would conclude that they met by appointment, and she saw in the face of the housekeeper the utmost provocation at the young Lord's behaviour: yet neither of these circumstances gave her equal disturbance, with observing a change, indefinable yet striking, in himself. After an instant's reflection, she