213 Cricket at Lord's. The University and School Matches Domina Fulvia and the Lion. A Story of the Days before Van Amberg 220 XXXI. Austin . Maubreuil. A Mystery. Modern Field-Guns; or the 'Krupp' v. the Royal Gun-Factories. Month on the Persian Gulf, A Old Major Curtis One Summer Month: Part I. II. Parsons and Doctors wanted Pilgrimage in Quest of Pocahontas, A 455 BELGRAVIA JULY 1871 THE LOVELS OF ARDEN BY THE AUTHOR OF LADY AUDLEY'S. SECRET,' ETC. CHAPTER XIX. MR. GRANGER IS PRECIPITATE. YLARISSA had little sleep that night. The image of George Fair CLAR fax, and of that dead soldier whom she pictured darkly like him, haunted her all through the slow silent hours. Her mother's story had touched her to the heart; but her sympathies were with her father. Here was a new reason why she should shut her heart against Lady Geraldine's lover, if any reason were wanted to strengthen that sense of honour which reigns supreme in a girl's unsullied soul. In her conviction as to what was right she never wavered. She felt herself very weak where this man was concerned-weak enough to love him in spite of reason and honour; but she did not doubt her power to keep that guilty secret, and to hide her weakness from George Fairfax. She had almost forgotten her engagement at Arden Court when her father came down to his late breakfast, and found her sketching. at a little table near the window, with the affectionate Ponto nestling close at her side. 'I thought you would be dressing for your visit by this time, Clary,' he said very graciously. My visit, papa? O, yes, to the Court,' she replied, with a faint sigh of resignation. I had very nearly forgotten all about it. I was to be there between twelve and one, I think. I shall have plenty of time to give you your breakfast. It's not eleven yet.' 'Be sure you dress yourself becomingly. I don't want you to appear at a disadvantage compared with the heiress.' 'I'll put on my prettiest dress, if you like, papa; but I can't wear such silks and laces as Miss Granger wears.' You will have such things some day, I daresay, and set them off better than Miss Granger. She is not a bad-looking young SECOND SERIES, VOL. V. F.S. VOL. XV. B woman-good complexion, fine figure, and so on-but as stiff as a poker.' 'I think she is mentally stiff, papa; she is a sort of person I could never get on with. How I wish you were coming with me this morning!' The schools and the model I couldn't manage it, Clarissa. villagers would be more than I could stand. ought to be interested in that sort of thing; to get on with Miss Granger.' But at your age you and you really ought It was half-past twelve when Miss Lovel opened the gate leading into Arden Park-the first time that she had ever opened it; though she had stood so often leaning on that rustic boundary, and gazing into the well-known woodland, with fond sad looks. There was an actual pain at her heart as she entered that unforgotten domain; and she felt angry with Daniel Granger for having forced this visit upon her. 'I suppose he is determined that we shall pay homage to his wealth, and admire his taste, and drink the bitter cup of humiliation to the very dregs. If he had any real delicacy of feeling, he would understand our reluctance to any intimacy with him.' While she was thinking of Mr. Granger in this unfriendly spirit, a step sounded on the winding path before her, and looking up, she perceived the subject of her thoughts coming quickly towards her. Was there ever such an intrusive man? She blushed rosy red with vexation. He came to her, with his hat in his hand, looking very big and stiff and counting-house-like among the flickering shadows of forest trees; not an Arcadian figure by any means, but with a certain formal business-like dignity about him, for all that; not a man to be ridiculed or despised. I am glad you have not forgotten your promise to come early, Miss Lovel,' he said, in his strong sonorous voice. 'I was just walking over to the cottage to remind you. Sophia is quite ready to do the honours of her schools. But I shall not let her carry you off till after luncheon; I want to show you my improvements. I had set my heart on your seeing the Court for the first time-since its restoration-under my guidance.' 'Pompous, insufferable parvenu,' thought Clarissa, to whom this desire on Mr. Granger's part seemed only an odious eagerness to exhibit his wealth. She little knew how much sentiment there was involved in this wish of Daniel Granger's. They came into the open part of the park presently, and she was fain to confess, that whatever changes had been made-and the alterations here were not many-had been made with a perfect appreciation of the picturesque. Even the supreme neatness with which the grounds were now kept did not mar their beauty. Fairy-like young |