an
useless. On the contrary, it might precipitate matters and ruin all. Now
go."

"Perhaps you are right," he replied, "as you always are; how can I go?
How can I tear myself from you? Dearest, dearest Lucy, what a love is
mine! But that is not surprising--who could love you with an ordinary
passion?"

Apprehensive that her father might return, she rose up, but so
completely had she been exhausted by the excitement of this interview
that he was obliged to assist her.

"I hear the carriage," said she; "it is at the door: will you ring for
my maid? And now, Charles, as it is possible that we must meet no more,
say, before you go, that you forgive me."

"There is everything in your conduct to be admired and loyed, my dearest
Lucy; but nothing to be forgiven."

"Is it possible," she said, as if in communion with herself, "that we
shall never meet, never speak, never, probably, look upon each other
more?"

Her lover observed that her face became suddenly pale, and she staggered
a little, after which she sank and would have fallen had he not
supported her in his arms. He had already rung for Alley Mahon, and
there was nothing for it but to place Lucy once more upon the sofa,
whither he was obliged to carry her, for she had fainted. Having placed
her there, it became necessary to support her head upon his bosom,
and in doing so--is it in human nature to be severe upon him?--he
rapturously kissed her lips, and pressed her to his heart in a long,
tender, and melancholy embrace. The appearance of her maid, however,
who always accompanied her in the carriage, terminated this pardonable
theft, and after a few words of ordinary conversation they separated.

CHAPTER XXXVII. Dandy's Visit to Summerfield Cottage

--Where he Makes a most Ungallant Mistake--Returns with Tidings of both
Mrs. Norton and Fenton--and Generously Patronizes his Master

On the morning after this interview the stranger was waited on by
Birney, who had returned from France late on the preceding night.

"Well, my friend," said he, after they had shaken hands, "I hope you are
the bearer of welcome intelligence!"

The gloom and disappointment that were legible in this man's round,
rosy, and generally good-humored countenance were observed, however, by
the stranger at a second glance.

"But how is this?" he added; "you are silent, and I fear, now that I
look at you a second time, that matters have not gone well with you.
For God's sake, howeve