r that
night; nor did she show the least sign of confusion, whereas Castlewood
turned red, and Esmond was no less embarrassed. I think women have an
instinct of dissimulation; they know by nature how to disguise their
emotions far better than the most consummate male courtiers can do. Is
not the better part of the life of many of them spent in hiding their
feelings, in cajoling their tyrants, in masking over with fond smiles
and artful gayety, their doubt, or their grief, or their terror?

Our guest swallowed his supper very sulkily; it was not till the second
bottle his Highness began to rally. When Lady Castlewood asked leave to
depart, he sent a message to Beatrix, hoping she would be present at the
next day's dinner, and applied himself to drink, and to talk afterwards,
for which there was subject in plenty.

The next day, we heard from our informer at Kensington that the Queen
was somewhat better, and had been up for an hour, though she was not
well enough yet to receive any visitor.

At dinner a single cover was laid for his Royal Highness; and the two
gentlemen alone waited on him. We had had a consultation in the morning
with Lady Castlewood, in which it had been determined that, should his
Highness ask further questions about Beatrix, he should be answered by
the gentlemen of the house.

He was evidently disturbed and uneasy, looking towards the door
constantly, as if expecting some one. There came, however, nobody,
except honest John Lockwood, when he knocked with a dish, which those
within took from him; so the meals were always arranged, and I believe
the council in the kitchen were of opinion that my young lord had
brought over a priest, who had converted us all into Papists, and that
Papists were like Jews, eating together, and not choosing to take their
meals in the sight of Christians.

The Prince tried to cover his displeasure; he was but a clumsy
dissembler at that time, and when out of humor could with difficulty
keep a serene countenance; and having made some foolish attempts at
trivial talk, he came to his point presently, and in as easy a manner
as he could, saying to Lord Castlewood, he hoped, he requested, his
lordship's mother and sister would be of the supper that night. As
the time hung heavy on him, and he must not go abroad, would not Miss
Beatrix hold him company at a game of cards?

At this, looking up at Esmond, and taking the signal from him, Lord
Castlewood informed his Royal Hig