She is as safe there, and much safer than in her own house, until morning, and it would be a pity to disturb her at this unseasonable hour.

When the morning comes, we will both go to her together--state our rival claims--and whichever one she decides on accepting, can have her, and end the matter at once." The count paused and meditated.

This proposal was all very plausible and nice on the surface, but Sir Norman with his usual penetration and acuteness, looked farther than the surface, and found a flaw.
"And how am I to know," he asked, doubtingly, "that you will not go to her to-night and spirit her off where I will never hear of either of you again ?" "In the very best way in the world: we will not part company until morning comes, are we at peace ?" inquired the count, smiling and holding out but hand.
"Until then, we will have to be, I suppose," replied Sir Norman, rather ungraciously taking the hand as if it were red-hot, and dropping it again.

"And we are to stand here and rail at each other, in the meantime ?" "By no means! Even the most sublime prospect tires when surveyed too long.

There is a little excursion which I would like you to accompany me on, if you have no objection." "Where to ?" "To the ruin, where you have already been twice to-night." Sir Norman stared.
"And who told you this fact, Sir Count ?" "Never mind; I have heard it.