ynevor could enlighten and vivify her perplexed reflections, answer
her inquiries, confirm her opinion of books, and enter into all that
she ventured with diffidence to express. He was enchanted to find that
no closer approach could dim the lustre of Louis's moon, and honoured
her doubly for what she had made herself in frivolous society. He felt
sure that his testimony would gain credit where Fitzjocelyn's would be
regarded as love-blinded, and already beheld himself forcing full proof
of her merits on the reluctant Earl, beholding Louis happy, and Isabel
emancipated from constraint.

A five miles' walk gave full time for such blissful discoveries; for
Miss Conway was resolute against entering the pony-carriage, and walked
on, protesting against ever being fatigued; while Louis was obliged to
occupy his seat in the carriage, with a constant change of companions.

'I think, my dear,' said Miss King, when the younger girls had gone to
their mother's toilette, 'that you will have to forgive me.'

'Meaning,' said Isabel, 'that you are bitten too! Ah! Miss King, you
could not withstand the smile with which he handed you in!'

'Could you withstand such an affectionate account of your cruel,
tyrannical practical joker?'

'Facts are stubborn things. Do you know what Mr. Dynevor is doing at
this moment? I met him in the gallery, hurrying off to Ebbscreek for
some lotion for Lord Fitzjocelyn's ankle. I begged him to let Mrs.
Mansell send; but no-no one but himself could find it, and his cousin
could not bear strangers to disarrange his room. If anything were
wanting, it would be enough to see how simply and earnestly such a man
has been brought to pamper--nay, to justify, almost to adore, the whims
and follies of this youth.'

'If anything were wanting to what? To your dislike.'

'It would not be so active as dislike, unless--' Isabel spoke with
drooping head, and Miss King did not ask her to finish, but said, 'He
has not given you much cause for alarm.'

'So; he is at least a thorough gentleman. It may be conceit, or wrong
self-consciousness, but from the moment the poor boy was spied in the
shop, I had a perception that mamma and Mrs. Mansell marked him down.
Personally he would be innocent, but, through all his chatter, I cannot
shake off the fancy that I am watched, or that decided indifference is
not needed to keep him at a distance.'

'I wish you could have seen him without knowing him!'

'In vain, dear