Again that expression swept over his face, but she was not looking at him; the thoughts in her mind were such as turn the eyes away from any human countenance. I could read all this plainly in their two faces.
"Let us pass over these things," he said, gravely regarding her. "You and I ought to know that human will seldom regulates events; let us try to act rightly and leave them with a higher power."
She looked at him in amazement an instant; then answered, with a self-sustained laugh,--
"Strong spirits make their own circumstances! We are making ours!"
"I know that is your opinion; but no matter, this is no place for discussion. Once again, let me understand. I am not disposed to criticise your motives for this--I will use the softer word-- mystification; but now we must take clear ground. You again assure me that, in seeking Miss Lee, I shall not meet with a rebuff either from the lady or her father?"
"Then I will go at once. But how can I explain?"
"Say that you were informed of her visit to Bosworth, and went off in a fit of jealousy."
"Say that you saw her with your own eyes."
"Don't you think it would be as well to speak the truth for once?" said Lawrence, with a grave smile.
"That _is_ the truth; you saw her returning home."
Lawrence sat down upon the rock, and, covering his forehead with one hand, seemed to reflect.
"You find this task an unpleasant one?" said the woman, touching his hand with her own.
He swept the hand across his forehead, scattering rich waves of hair over the temples.
"It is very painful," he said, bitterly; "but, thank heaven! the mischief was not of my own making. No matter; I will go now."
He turned to leave her. She grew pale and troubled.
"Where shall I see you after it is over?"
"Here, if you have the patience to wait."
"Yes," she answered, "I will wait; it will not be long. Oh, heavens! how little time it takes to separate us forever and ever!"
He did not answer this; but his footsteps were still heard among the leaves that had fallen along the footpath, and she followed his retreating figure with eyes so full of anguish that I could not help pitying her.
When Lawrence could no longer be seen through the trees, she sunk to the rock, folded both her hands over her knees, and fairly moaned with pain. There was no weeping; but dry sobs broke from her lips like gushes of lava from a crater.