ng and with downcast eyes before her husband.

"Well," said Lord Elliot, raising himself proudly, "do you not hear
your cousin's command? Will you not dismiss this poor creature who dares
disturb this tender interview?"

"I will withdraw." stammered Kindar, "I am de trop. I have no right to
interfere between Lord Elliot and his wife. I take my leave."

He tried to step through the door, but the powerful hand of Lord Elliot
held him back.

"Not so, my handsome gentleman," said Lord Elliot, with a hoarse laugh,
"you are by no means de trop; on the contrary, I desire your presence;
you will remain here and listen to the charming and merry narrative I
am about to relate to Lady Elliot. I have come, madame, to give your
ladyship the history of a hunt; not, however, of a chase after wild
beasts, of the hart and the hare, but of an all-conquering cavalier,
who, however, judging from the manner in which he fled and sought to
save himself, must possess the cowardice of the hare, and the fleet foot
of the hart. You know, I presume, that I speak of your beau cousin, and
myself."

While Lord Elliot spoke, Camilla stared in breathless agony at her
cousin. She seemed to hope to read in his pale face the explanation of
this incomprehensible riddle; she expected him to command her husband to
be silent, and to offer him some new insult. But Kindar did not speak,
and Camilla came to a desperate resolution. She was determined to know
why he stood so pale and trembling before her husband. She would force
him to an explanation.

"It is wholly unnecessary, my lord," she said, in a haughty tone, "to
relate your history to me; I am acquainted with all the particulars of
the chase of which you speak. I know your degradation and humiliation--I
know that you fell upon your knees and pleaded for pardon when
satisfaction was demanded of you."

"Ah! I see, le beau cousin has changed roles with me," said Lord Elliot.
"That was indeed most amiable. Your lover must, of course, always play
the most important part, and no doubt, he thought to do me honor by this
change. I cannot take advantage of this generous intention, and must
correct a few errors in his narrative."

"Speak! then; speak! my lord," said Camilla, whose eyes were still fixed
sternly upon her lover.

"As you graciously permit it, madame, I will give you an account of the
chase. But first, madame, I must clear myself from an accusation. I am
suspected of having challenged Von Ki