CHAPTER XIII.
A MOONLIGHT WALK.
The sensations of Mr.Carlyle, when he returned to West Lynne, were much like those of an Eton boy, who knows he has been in mischief, and dreads detection.

Always open as to his own affairs--for he had nothing to conceal--he yet deemed it expedient to dissemble now.

He felt that his sister would be bitter at the prospect of his marrying; instinct had taught him that, years past; and he believed that, of all women, the most objectionable to her would be Lady Isabel, for Miss Carlyle looked to the useful, and had neither sympathy nor admiration for the beautiful.

He was not sure but she might be capable of endeavoring to frustrate the marriage should news of it reach her ears, and her indomitable will had caused many strange things in her life; therefore, you will not blame Mr.Carlyle for observing entire reticence as to his future plans.
A family of the name of Carew had been about taking East Lynne; they wished to rent it, furnished, for three years.

Upon some of the minor arrangements they and Mr.Carlyle were opposed, but the latter declined to give way.