ave been an honorable affection,
such as every man has a right to choose for himself; but in this
entanglement, which I was more and more convinced fettered his feelings
and movements, there could be nothing but secresy and dishonor.

"I wanted to go away--to get beyond the sight of his face--the sound of
his voice. As I stood there listening to their idle conversation, I felt
that I almost hated the man. With his wicked secret on his soul what
right had he to bring himself into the presence of innocent women, and
assume a position of equality with them. I knew how foolish it all
was--I tried to think that the meanness was in my entertaining such
suspicions, but I could no more change my feelings than I could banish
my doubts.

"I walked to the door; as James stepped aside to allow us to pass, I
caught one strange, troubled look from his eyes, which I could not
understand. Did it mean that he believed I had divined his secret, and
was appealing to my generosity for silence?

"There was no time to think about it. Lucy was holding me by the sleeve
and saying--

"'I don't believe you have heard a syllable Mr. Harrington has said. His
mother wants us to go out driving with her toward sunset.'

"'So Mrs. Harrington told me this morning.'

"'But you did not mention it.'

"'No, because she spoke before she knew of her husband's journey, and I
thought she might not feel inclined to go out.'

"'I am sure I shall be delighted,' Lucy said. 'Do you mean to take the
other seat, Mr. Harrington?'

"'If you permit.'

"'Oh, my! I'm sure it's not for me to say! But I know your mother never
half enjoys herself unless you are present, and really, one feels so
much safer driving when there's a gentleman along. One never knows what
these dreadful Spanish coachmen may do.'

"'I believe ours is very trusty,' James replied. 'Please don't hint your
fears to my mother, or she would not drive again while she is here.'

"'Oh, of course not! Any way, I did not mean anything--I always speak
without thought! Mamma says my head is no better than a feather. Isn't
that cruel of her, Mr. Harrington?'

"'You can console yourself by being certain that she does not mean it.'

"'Oh, I don't know! Mamma has a great admiration for dignified, stately
creatures, like our dear Miss Crawford. She says I will be nothing but a
spoiled little kitten all my days.'

"James looked so impatient of all this nonsense, that I was amused in
spite of myself.