"That is impossible so long as he keeps me out of my own." He had the
grace, however, to add, half sullenly, "Excuse me; I feel I have been
too vehement."

Miss Bruce, thus repelled, answered, rather coldly:

"Oh, never mind _that;_ it was very natural.--I am at home, then," said
she to the servant.

Mr. Bassett took the hint, but turned at the door, and said, with no
little agitation, "I was not aware he visits you. One word--don't let
his ill-gotten acres make you quite forget the disinherited one." And
so he left her, with an imploring look.

She felt red with all this, so she slipped out at another door, to cool
her cheeks and imprison a stray curl for Sir Charles.

He strolled into the empty room, with the easy, languid air of fashion.
His features were well cut, and had some nobility; but his sickly
complexion and the lines under his eyes told a tale of dissipation. He
appeared ten years older than he was, and thoroughly _blase._

Yet when Miss Bruce entered the room with a smile and a little blush,
he brightened up and looked handsome, and greeted her with momentary
warmth.

After the usual inquiries she asked him if he had met any body.

"Where?"