right to go to grandmamma; but
if it is so, about Guy, this absence would be a good thing--it would
make a break, and I could begin again on different terms.'

'Wisely judged, Laura. Yes, on that account it would be very desirable,
though it will be a great loss to me, and I can hardly hope to be so
near you on your return.'

'Ah! yes, so I feared!' sighed Laura.

'But we must give up something; and for Guy's own sake, poor fellow, it
will be better to make a break, as you say. It will save him pain by and
by.'

'I dare say papa will consult you about when his journey is to be. His
only doubt was whether it would do to leave Guy so long alone, and if
you say it would be safe, it would decide him at once.'

'I see little chance of mischief. Guy has few temptations here, and a
strong sense of honour; besides, I shall be at hand. Taking all things
into consideration, Laura, I think that, whatever the sacrifice to
ourselves, it is expedient to recommend his going at once, and your
accompanying him.'

All the remainder of the evening Philip was occupied with attentions
to the rest of the world, but Laura's eyes followed him everywhere, and
though she neither expected nor desired him to bestow more time on her,
she underwent a strange restlessness and impatience of feeling. Her
numerous partners teased her by hindering her from watching him moving
about the room, catching his tones, and guessing what he was talking
of;--not that she wanted to meet his eye, for she did not like to blush,
nor did she think it pleased him to see her do so, for he either looked
away immediately or conveyed a glance which she understood as monitory.
She kept better note of his countenance than of her own partner's.

Mr. Thorndale, meanwhile, kept aloof from Lady Eveleen de Courcy, but
Captain Morville perceived that his eyes were often turned towards her,
and well knew it was principle, and not inclination, that held him at a
distance. He did indeed once ask her to dance, but she was engaged,
and he did not ask her to reserve a future dance for him, but contented
himself with little Amy.

Amy was doing her best to enjoy herself, because she thought it
ungrateful not to receive pleasure from those who wished to give it,
but to her it wanted the zest and animation of Lady Kilcoran's ball.
Besides, she knew she had been as idle as Guy, or still more so, and she
thought it wrong she should have pleasure while he was doing penance.
It was on