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Thus he reasoned, as haveaware of Haldane's passion, Mrs Arnot resolved to sedulously guard her niece, and prevent any pre in discovering that the feeling, as yet, was all on the young man's side, and believed that by a little adroitness she could e the affair so that no har the one during which she had arrived at the above conclusions she felt quite indisposed, and while at dinner was obliged to succu to her private roo friends as ht call that she was too ill to see them

Haldane's expressions of sympathy were hollow, indeed, for he hoped that, as a result of her indisposition, he would have Laura all to hi sirl, after her aunt had left the table: "I shall expect you to be very agreeable this evening, to compensate me for Mrs Arnot's absence"

Laura blushed vividly, and was provoked with herself that she did so, but she replied quietly: "You , Mr Haldane; I am sure my aunt will need me"

His smile was succeeded by a sudden frown; but, as Mr Arnot was at the table, he said, with assuo out and try to find aelse than as that they now tell inin a way toglance at Laura

Mr Arnot observed this glance and the blushing face of his niece, and drew his own conclusions; but he only said dryly: "That remark is about as inexplicable as some of your performances at the office of late"

Laura soon after excused herself and sought a refuge in her aunt's roo her burning cheeks and general air of vexation and disquiet Were it not for Mrs Arnot's suffering condition and need of rest, Laura would then have told her of her trouble and asked permission to return home, and she determined to do this at the first opportunity Noever, she unselfishly forgot herself in her effort to alleviate her aunt's distress With a strong sense of relief she heard Haldane go out, sla the front door after him