Lilla, who could not forget the _tableau vivant_ she had witnessed, was
continually persecuting her hapless victim with inuendoes and allusions,
whose anger and powerlessness to exculpate herself gave an additional
zest to the amusement. Therefore, finding this young lady was to remain
the evening, Bluebell took refuge in the school-room tea, and did not
appear at dinner.

Conversation fell on the new purchase, and their approaching departure
for Rice Lake; and, observing this did not appear to have a very
exhilarating effect on the Major, Colonel Rolleston continued,--"When
will you come down and see us, Fane? We shall get very tired of our
recluse life, and want some one to bring us the news."

The Major's face brightened, but, stealing a glance at Cecil's, which
only expressed consternation, it was speedily overcast, and he returned
an evasive answer. Looking gloomily for the relief he expected to discern
in her countenance, he received a swift glance of gratitude, which
uncomplimentary graciousness completed his discomfiture.

Soon after dinner some garrison duty summoned away Colonel Rolleston,
and the others returned to the garden, where daylight struggled with the
newly-risen moon. A soft breeze came up from the lake, reviving after
the glaring day. Cecil was _distraite_ and silent, so Lilla's vivacious
tongue attracted around her the gentlemen of the group, and, without
any effort of his, Major Fane found himself somewhat apart with Miss
Rolleston.

Though heart-whole when we first introduced him, he was now really in
love with Cecil,--that is to say, he approved of and wished to marry her.

As an eligible, many determined efforts had been made for his capture,
and the absence of any desire on her part to attract him gave first the
feeling of security which soon led to a stronger one. If not pretty, she
was graceful, especially so just now, he thought, in that unconscious,
reflective attitude.

Fane became nervous: it wasn't often he got the chance of being alone
with her, and she might immediately rejoin the others; but just then
Cecil, coming out of her reverie, looked up, and said,--"Don't you want
to smoke? Not here, but come over to the summer-house where the children
do their lessons."

This proposal from the reserved Cecil, who had lately been so
conspicuously repellent? He thought the change too good so be believed,
and, without another asking, accompanied her to the arbour; but she
insisted on