perplexity Beaufort repaired at once to Camilla. His nervous
agitation betrayed itself, though he smiled a ghastly smile, and
intended to be exceeding cool and collected. His questions, which
confused and alarmed her, soon drew out the fact that the very first
time Vaudemont had been introduced to her he had spoken of the Mortons;
and that he had often afterwards alluded to the subject, and seemed at
first strongly impressed with the notion that the younger brother was
under Beaufort's protection; though at last he appeared reluctantly
convinced of the contrary. Robert, however agitated, preserved at least
enough of his natural slyness not to let out that he suspected Vaudemont
to be Philip Morton himself, for he feared lest his daughter should
betray that suspicion to its object.

"But," he said, with a look meant to win confidence, "I dare say he
knows these young men. I should like myself to know more about them.
Learn all you can, and tell me, and, I say--I say, Camilla,--he! he!
he!--you have made a conquest, you little flirt, you! Did he, this
Vaudemont, ever say how much he admired you?"

"He!--never!" said Camilla, blushing, and then turning pale.

"But he looks it. Ah! you say nothing, then. Well, well, don't
discourage him; that is to say,--yes, don't discourage him. Talk to him
as much as you can,--ask him about his own early life. I've a particular
wish to know--'tis of great importance to me."

"But, my dear father," said Camilla, trembling and thoroughly
bewildered, "I fear this man,--I fear--I fear--"

Was she going to add, "I fear myself?" I know not; but she stopped
short, and burst into tears.

"Hang these girls!" muttered Mr. Beaufort, "always crying when they
ought to be of use to one. Go down, dry your eyes, do as I tell
you,--get all you can from him. Fear him!--yes, I dare say she does!"
muttered the poor man, as he closed the door.

From that time what wonder that Camilla's manner to Vaudemont was yet
more embarrassed than ever: what wonder that he put his own heart's
interpretation on that confusion. Beaufort took care to thrust her more
often than before in his way; he suddenly affected a creeping, fawning
civility to Vaudemont; he was sure he was fond of music; what did he
think of that new air Camilla was so fond of? He must be a judge of
scenery, he who had seen so much: there were beautiful landscapes in
the neighbourhood, and, if he would forego his sports, Camilla drew
prettily, h