d it a grand challenge
where the truth had been unconsciously hit off. Cecil was nowhere
to be seen.

CHAPTER XVIII
Demonstrations

Nursing her wrath to keep it warm.--BURNS

The hours of the soiree had been early; but the breakfast was so
irregular and undecided as to time, that no one took much notice of
an intimation which Jenkins had received from the grim Mrs.
Grindstone that Mrs, Charnock Poynsett would take breakfast in her
own room. Indeed, they all felt glad that her views of etiquette
did not bind them to their places; for Frank was burning to be off
to Sirenwood, forgetting that it was far easier to be too early than
too late for Sir Harry Vivian, who was wont to smoke till long after
midnight, and was never visible till the midday repast.

And thus it was Lady Tyrrell who came to Frank alone. "Early
afoot," she said; "you foolish, impatient fellow! You _will_ outrun
my best advice."

"Ah! but I'm armed. I always told you we might trust to my mother,
and it is all right. She loves Lenore with all her heart, and
consents freely and gladly."

"Indeed! Well, the dear child has made her conquest!"

"I always knew she would when once reserve was broken down."

"Did you get up the alarm on purpose?"

"Really, one would think I had done so. One such moment was worth
years of ordinary meetings! Half the battle is won!"

"Have you seen your mother this morning?"

"No; but she knew I was coming."

"Then you do not know what her feelings are on cooler reflection?"

"My mother would never retract what she has once assured me of,"
said Frank, haughtily.

"Forgive me--of what has she assured you?"

"That she regards Eleonora as a dear daughter, and that implies
doing the same for me as for my brothers. If Sir Harry would but be
so good as to come and see her--'

"Stay, Frank, you have not come that length. You forget that if you
have, as you say, gained half the battle, there is another half; and
that my father very reasonably feels hurt at being the last to be
favoured with the intelligence."

"Dear Lady Tyrrell, you can see how it was. There was no helping it
when once I could speak to Lenore; and then no one would have let me
utter a word till I had gone through the examination. We never
meant to go on a system of concealment; but you know how every one
would have raved and stormed if I had betrayed a thought beyond old
Driver, and yet it was only being at rest about Lenore t