第36章

"For many reasons.First - he is disguised; wears false whiskers, moustache, and wig, and even the voice he uses appears assumed.Then Prudence seems in the greatest awe of him, and she is not one to be easily awed.I never knew her to be in the slightest degree intimidated by any human being but himself and that mysterious woman, La Masque.

"Ah! you know La Masque, then?"

"Not personally; but I have seen her as I did you, you remember,"with an arch glance; "and, like you, being once seen, is not to be forgotten."Sir Norman promptly paid her for the compliment in Cupid's own coin:

"Little flatterer! I can almost forgive Count L'Estrange for wanting to marry you; for I presume he it only a man, and not quite equal to impossibilities.How long is it since you knew him first?""Not two months.My courtships," said Leoline, with a gay laugh, "seem destined to be of the shortest.He saw me one evening in the window, and immediately insisted on being admitted; and after that, he continued coming until I had to promise, as I have told you, to be Countess L'Estrange.""He cannot be mach of a gentleman, or he would not attempt to force a lady against her will.And so, when you were dressed for your bridal, you found you had the plague?""Yes, Sir Norman; and horrible as that was I do assure you Ialmost preferred it to marrying him."

"Leoline, tell me how long it is since you've known me?""Nearly three months," said Leoline, blushing again celestial rosy red.

"And how long have you loved me?"

"Nonsense.What a question! I shall not tell you.""You shall - you must - I insist upon it.Did you love me before you met the count? Out with it.""Well, then - yes!" cried Leoline desperately.

Sir Norman raised the hand he held, is rapture to his lips:

"My darling! But I will reserve my raptures, for it is growing late, and I know you mast want to go to rest.I have a thousand things to tell you, but they must wait for daylight; only I will promise, before parting, that this is the last night you mast spend here."Leoline opened her bright eyes very wide.

"To-morrow morning," went on Sir Norman, impressively, and with dignity, "you will be up and dressed by sunrise, and shortly after that radiant period, I will make my appearance with two horses - one of which I shall ride, and the other I shall lead:

the one I lead you shall mount, and we will ride to the nearest church, and be married without any pomp or pageant; and then Sir Norman and Lady Kingsley will immediately leave London, and in Kingsley Castle, Devonshire, will enjoy the honeymoon and blissful repose till the plague is over.Do you understand that?""Perfectly," she answered, with a radiant face.

"And agree to it?"

"You know I do, Sir Norman; only - "

"Well, my pet, only what?"

"Sir Norman, I should like to see Prudence.I want Prudence.

How can I leave her behind?"

"My dear child, she made nothing of leaving you when she thought you were dying; so never mind Prudence, but say, will you be ready?""I will."

"That is my good little Leoline.Now give me a kiss, Lady Kingsley, and good-night."Lady Kingsley dutifully obeyed; and Sir Norman went out with a glow at his heart, like a halo round a full moon.