The count paused and meditated. This proposal was all very plausible
and nice on the surface, but Sir Norman with his usual penetration and
acuteness, looked farther than the surface, and found a flaw.
"And how am I to know," he asked, doubtingly, "that you will not go to
her to-night and spirit her off where I will never hear of either of you
again?"
"In the very best way in the world: we will not part company until
morning comes, are we at peace?" inquired the count, smiling and holding
out but hand.
"Until then, we will have to be, I suppose," replied Sir Norman, rather
ungraciously taking the hand as if it were red-hot, and dropping
it again. "And we are to stand here and rail at each other, in the
meantime?"
"By no means! Even the most sublime prospect tires when surveyed too
long. There is a little excursion which I would like you to accompany me
on, if you have no objection."
"Where to?"
"To the ruin, where you have already been twice to-night."
Sir Norman stared.
"And who told you this fact, Sir Count?"
"Never mind; I have heard it. Would you object to a third excursion
there before morning?"
Again Sir Norman paused and meditated. There was no use in staying where
he was, that would bring him no nearer to Leoline, and nothing was to be
gained by killing the count beyond the mere transitory pleasure of
the thing. On the other hand, he had an intense and ardent desire to
re-visit the ruin, and learn what had become of Miranda--the only
draw-back being that, if they were found they would both be most
assuredly beheaded. Then, again, there was Hubert.
"Well," inquired the count, as Sir Norman looked up.
"I have no objection to go with you to the ruin," was the reply, "only
this; if we are seen there, we will be dead men two minutes after; and
I have no desire to depart this life until I have had that promised
interview with Leoline."
"I have thought of that," said the count, "and have provided for it. We
may venture in the lion's den without the slightest danger: all that is
required being your promise to guide us thither. Do you give it?"
"I do; but I expect a friend here shortly, and cannot start until he
comes."
"If you mean me by that, I am here," said a voice at his elbow; and,
looking round, he saw Hubert himself, standing there, a quiet listener
and spectator of the scene.
Count L'Estrange looked at him with interest, and Hubert, affecting not
to notice the survey, watched Sir Norman.
"Well," was that individual's eager address, "were you successful?"
The count was still watching the boy so intently, that that most
discreet youth was suddenly seized with a violent fit of coughing, which
precluded all possibility of reply for at least five minutes; and Sir
Norman, at the same moment, felt his arm receive a sharp and warning
pinch.