CHAPTER VIII.
Mr.Camwell was in the ante-room as Chloe passed out behind the two incensed supporters of Duchess Susan.
'I shall be by the fir-trees on the Mount at eight this evening,' she said.
'I will be there,' he replied.
'Drive Mr.Beamish into the country, that these gentlemen may have time to cool.' He promised her it should be done.
Close on the hour of her appointment, he stood under the fir-trees, admiring the sunset along the western line of hills, and when Chloe joined him he spoke of the beauty of the scene.
'Though nothing seems more eloquently to say farewell,' he added, with a sinking voice.
'We could say it now, and be friends,' she answered.
'Later than now, you think it unlikely that you could forgive me, Chloe.' 'In truth, sir, you are making it hard for me.' 'I have stayed here to keep watch; for no pleasure of my own,' said he.
'Mr.Beamish is an excellent protector of the duchess.' 'Excellent; and he is cleverly taught to suppose she fears him greatly; and when she offends him, he makes a display of his Jupiter's awfulness, with the effect on woman of natural spirit which you have seen, and others had foreseen, that she is exasperated and grows reckless.

Tie another knot in your string, Chloe.' She looked away, saying, 'Were you not the cause?
You were in collusion with that charlatan of the heath, who told them their fortunes this morning.

I see far, both in the dark and in the light.' 'But not through a curtain.

I was present.' 'Hateful, hateful business of the spy! You have worked a great mischief Mr.Camwell.And how can you reconcile it to, your conscience that you should play so base a part ?' 'I have but performed my duty, dear madam.' 'You pretend that it is your devotion to me! I might be flattered if I saw not so abject a figure in my service.

Now have I but four days of my month of happiness remaining, and my request to you is, leave me to enjoy them.