on a
baron bold. Bigod and Bohun could not enforce the forest laws with such
severity as this dealer in cotton and indigo."

"It is a difficult question to deal with--this affair of the game laws,"
said Egremont; "how will you reach the evil? Would you do away with the
offence of trespass? And if so, what is your protection for property?"

"It comes to a simple point though," said Morley, "the Territorialists
must at length understand that they cannot at the same time have the
profits of a farm and the pleasures of a chase."

At this moment entered Sybil. At the sight of her, the remembrance that
they were about to part, nearly overwhelmed Egremont. Her supremacy over
his spirit was revealed to him, and nothing but the presence of other
persons could have prevented him avowing his entire subjection. His hand
trembled as he touched her's, and his eye, searching yet agitated, would
have penetrated her serene soul. Gerard and Morley, somewhat withdrawn,
pursued their conversation; while Egremont hanging over Sybil, attempted
to summon courage to express to her his sad adieu. It was in vain.
Alone, perhaps he might have poured forth a passionate farewell. But
constrained he became embarrassed; and his conduct was at the same time
tender and perplexing. He asked and repeated questions which had already
been answered. His thoughts wandered from their conversation but not
from her with whom he should have conversed. Once their eyes met, and
Sybil observed his suffused with tears. Once he looked round and caught
the glance of Morley, instantly withdrawn, but not easy to be forgotten.

Shortly after this and earlier than his wont, Morley rose and wished
them good night. He shook hands with Egremont and bade him farewell with
some abruptness. Harold who seemed half asleep suddenly sprang from the
side of his mistress and gave an agitated bark. Harold was never very
friendly to Morley, who now tried to soothe him, but in vain. The dog
looked fiercely at him and barked again, but the moment Morley had
disappeared, Harold resumed his usual air of proud high-bred gentleness,
and thrust his nose into the hand of Egremont, who patted him with
fondness.

The departure of Morley was a great relief to Egremont, though the
task that was left was still a painful effort. He rose and walked for
a moment up and down the room, commenced an unfinished sentence,
approached the hearth and leant over the mantel; and then at length
extending hi