he heard it he did not notice the remark, but left the room slowly.
He lifted his hand, but not his head, in a stealthy gesture of menace as
he reached the door.

Lady Catharine stood for some moments after his departure as if in
thought, unconsciously retaining her somewhat haughty attitude and
expression. Then she went to her room, and prayed, with many tears, that
Isabel Raymond might never have to repent the step she had taken so
rashly. I think a presentiment of danger made her pray for Guy too. But
did she ever forget him when she was on her knees?

Nevertheless, Bruce had not shown upon the scene since, so that they
could not convey to him the intelligence when Isabel Forrester wrote
from Paris to communicate her marriage.

Guy went to Mr. Raymond as a plenipotentiary from the recently allied
powers, to obtain, if possible, fair conditions of peace. His uncle was
breakfasting alone, and received him with perfect good-temper.

"My dear boy," he said, "it was a match of your poor aunt's making, not
mine. If she had lived to see it broken off, I think she would have been
very much provoked. (He gave a slight shudder of reminiscence here, and
finished his chocolate.) But they say there is no marrying or giving in
marriage where she is gone, so let us hope it will not seriously affect
her now. As to me, I have never been angry since I was twenty-two.
Personally, I very much prefer Forrester to Bruce as a connection. I
should have allowed Bella L300 a year, and I suppose the necessary
outfit and presents would have cost me about L500. I will do just the
same now--neither more nor less. You can tell Charley he may draw for
the last sum and for the first quarter when he pleases. They had better
travel for a year or so, I think, till the people have stopped talking
about them. Charley will sell out, of course?"

"His papers are sent in," Guy replied.

"Just so," Raymond went on. "If they are in a pleasant place, I may very
likely go and see them this summer. Suggest Hombourg. I should like to
try the waters. And tell Charley not to go about too much alone after
nightfall. The deserted one is capable of laying a trap for him. I
didn't like his look when I saw him last. That is all, I think. Do you
go to Lady Featherstone's to-night?"

Raymond appeared at his clubs and elsewhere with a face so impenetrably
cheerful and complacent that his bitterest friend dared not venture on a
condolence.

CHAPTER XIX.