She could not identify the only person which it contained, but a suspicion that it was Stanhope, instantly crossed her mind.

Suppressing her vexation, Mad.

la Tour addressed Lucie;--she started, and a crimson glow suffused her face, as she looked up and met the eyes of her aunt, fixed inquiringly on her.
"You are abroad at an unusual hour this evening, Lucie," said Mad.

de la Tour, without appearing to notice her confusion.
"Yes, later than I was aware," she answered, with some hesitation; "I have been to Annette's cottage, and was accidentally detained on my return." "Accidentally!" repeated Mad.

de la Tour, with a look which again crimsoned the cheek of Lucie; "you were not detained by any ill tidings, I trust, though your tearful eyes betray emotions, which, you know, I love you too well to witness, without a wish to learn the cause." "How can you ask the cause, dear aunt, when we have just parted from so many friends, whose absence, and probable danger, cannot but leave us anxious and dejected!" "You were not wont to indulge a gloomy or anxious spirit, Lucie; and why should you _now_ yield to it?
Nay, but an hour or two since, you parted with apparent composure from all; and what has since happened to occasion this regret?
and why should you conceal it from me, who have so long been your friend and confidant ?" "From _you_, dear aunt, I would conceal nothing; you have a right to know every thought and wish of my heart; but"-- "But what ?" asked Mad.