The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

A Strange Revenge. 519
" Hush, my dear girl ; that is very silly of you, just
when a little courage is wanted, and all will be over— all
will be over. Here is Mr Richard coming down the avenue.
Your tearsmay comein handy—remember, neither sayyea or
nay, but send him to me for his answer—for his answer !
1 came to warn you—courage, little one, for your father's
sake," and before she could reply, the Professor had dis-
appeared in the wood as swiftly as he had arrived.
Left alone. Miss Somerton at once pulled herself
together, and looking through the interstices of the rustic
wood-work, saw Richard advancing with rapid strides in
the direction of the summer-house. Her look had no
trace of cruelty about it ; perhaps it more betokened pity
than any other feeling ; and
that blush, what of it?— per-
haps it was one of shame at the false part she was playing
to secure her father a piece of revenge, the true character
of which she still failed to comprehend. Pulling her hat
down until her tale-tell eyes were shaded, she waited
Richard's arrival.
" Ha ! I am lucky," he exclaimed, while some distance
away, where he had caught sight of her light dress in the
door-way. "Just
evening—isn't it
thought
really a
you would be about this fine
beautiful sunset ? Were you
admiring it. Miss Somerton ; such an eye you have for
atmospheric tints."
" It's really beautiful ; but I was not admiring it."
" What ? I thought you positively doted on sunsets.
Really I feel inclined to offer you the gallant sum of a
penny for your thoughts. Is it a bargain ?"
" No !"
They were now standing together ; she in the doorway,
her eyes bent low, he in front, a look of undisguised
admiration lighting up his handsome features. It was
evident that in the presence of this woman he was held
in a bondage that suggested the idea of irresponsibility !
" Then let us barter—thoughts for thoughts," he said,
advancing a step nearer, and speaking in a lower and more
tender voice.