Page 15 (2/2)

In all their intercourse, Frederic had no racious notice froy, delivered with stately

condescension, and a courtly bow in his direction

It sounded very grand to Mabel, whose fears of opposition or

severity froe and nerves into pitiable

distress Frederic could desire nothing ee Had not the thought savored of disloyalty to her

lover, she would have confessed herself disappointed that his reply

did not effervesce with gratitude, that his deportment was distant,

his tone constrained

"I appreciate the last-nahly, as you do I have already told you that I invite, not

shirk, the investigation you propose I now repeatthis on No

honorable man could do less Unless I mistake, you wish now to see

your sister alone"

He bent his head slightly, and without other and especial salutation

to his betrothed, withdrew

Odd, white dints ca facial sign of displeasure he ever exhibited, if we except

a certain hardening of eye and contour that chiselled his lineaments

into a yet closer resemblance to marble