He waved his hand to the attendants, and they were alone.
"I came for your answer, Amabel," he said; "but I scarcely require it, being convinced from your looks that I have nothing to fear.

Oh! why did you not abridge this tedious interval?
Why not inform me you had altered your mind?
But I will not reproach you.

I am too happy to complain of the delay ?" "I must undeceive you, my lord," returned Amabel, gravely.

"No change has taken place in my feelings.

I still adhere to the resolution I had come to when we last parted." "How!" exclaimed the earl, his countenance darkening, and the evil look which Amabel had before noticed taking possession of it.