were proportionally favourites. They were, therefore, far more popular with the ladies than with the male part of the community.
Harry had not forgotten his quarrel with the Baron de Ruvigny, and was somewhat surprised that the young lieutenant looked at him in so unconcerned a manner. He was not revengeful by disposition, but he fancied that he was in honour bound to settle the matter.
The sooner the better, he thought to himself. I will look out for him on his way to Lynderton, and see what he has to say for himself.
In the meantime he danced with Lucy and Mabel, and two or three other young ladies, for although it had been the custom for a gentleman to confine himself to the same partner during the whole of the evening, the foreign officers had managed to break through it, and thus to divide their attentions more generally among the fair sex. At length the fête came to an end. Everybody declared it was delightful. Harry saw Lady Tryon into her carriage, and saying that he would walk home, went back to pay his adieus to the ladies. Mabel looked more beautiful than ever, and gave him a smile which made him feel very happy.
By-the-bye, said the Colonel, drawing him aside, if you ever have an affair of honour, you must promise to ask me to be your second. Remember I am an old soldier, and you could not have a better man. I must exact this promise.
Harry felt very foolish. He did not know how he looked. He could not help suspecting that the Colonel knew his secret; yet how could he have known it? The Colonel, however, would not let him go till he had passed his word.
Perhaps I may have to call upon you sooner than you expect, sir, he said; really, these foreigners try ones temper.
Perhaps you dont understand the foreigners, Harry, he said, in a good-natured tone. However, good-night; and the old officer returned chuckling into the drawing-room.
Harry hurried on. He had seen the Baron de Ruvigny leave the house but a short time before, and he expected soon to catch him up. He was not disappointed. The moon shone brightly. He knew the barons figure, and saw him a little way ahead in company with several other officers.
Harry soon overtook them, and walking up to the side of the young baron, touched him on the shoulder.
We had a little affair to settle the other day, baron, said Harry.
The young baron hesitated.
I was labouring under a mistake. I confess it, he answered. Colonel Everard has spoken to me, and has made me promise not to carry the matter further. I did not consider that you had a right to interfere, and I was, therefore, angry. I tender you my apology.
Harry hesitated a moment. Was it generosity or cowardice which made the young baron act in this way? It is the first, I am sure, thought Harry. I accept your apology gladly, he answered.
The young men shook hands and walked on side by side, both probably feeling much happier than they did before. They might, to be sure, have caused some sensation in the place had they fought; but even had one of them been killed, the event would probably have been no more than a nine days wonder, and even his most intimate acquaintance would soon have ceased to mourn. The two after this became fast friends.
The baron especially had many interesting adventures to relate, especially those he had undergone in escaping from France La belle France! as he still called his native country.
Chapter Seven. A Farewell Visit. Sad End of a Festive Scene
I have come to wish you good-bye, Mabel, said Harry, and his voice trembled slightly. Lady Tryon insists on my accompanying her to London, and I cannot refuse to obey her. It is time, and she says truly that I should choose a profession; but which can I choose? I should have preferred going to sea some years ago, but I am getting too old for that, and though I have no objection to the army, yet it would take me away for years, perhaps for long years, Mabel, and that I could not stand.
He looked affectionately into her face as he spoke.
I should not wish you to go, Harry, she answered in a low voice, and yet I know that it is right and manly to have a profession. I should not like you to be in any better, yet it is so full of dangers that I should be very miserable.
No, I see, I must live in the country and turn farmer, said Harry, as if a bright idea had struck him.
I have always been told that Lady Tryon is sure to leave me all her property, and that must be sufficient for all my wishes. However, when I go to London I will try and learn what profession is likely to suit me. I certainly dont wish to be idle; and the thought of winning you, and making a home fit for your reception, will stimulate me to exertion.
I shall be glad if it does.
A boat was moored near where they stood. Harry proposed to row Mabel round the lake. They looked very interesting as they two sat in the boat, Harry rowing, and Mabel smiling and talking cheerfully, occasionally catching at a water-lily.
They talked of Lucy. The theme was a sad one. Since the day of the fête she had never been well. There was a colour in her cheek and a brightness in her eye, which alarmed her aunt. She communicated her fears to Mabel.