THE SMUGGLER. 123 



the butler entering at that moment, called the attention of 

 Richard Radford to the note which had been brought in some 

 half an hour before, and which was, in fact, a sudden summons 

 from his father. 



The contents seemed to give him no great satisfaction ; and, 

 turning to the servant, he said, " Well, tell them to saddle 

 my horse, and bring him round ;" and as he spoke, he directed 

 a frowning look towards the young baronet, as if he could 

 scarcely refrain from showing his anger till a fitting opportu- 

 nity occurred for expressing it. 



Digby, however, continued talking lightly with Zara Croy- 

 land, in the window, till the horse had been brought round, 

 and the young man had taken leave of the rest of the party. 

 Then sauntering slowly out of the room, he passed through 

 the hall door, to the side of Richard Radford 's horse, just as 

 the latter was mounting. 



" Mr. Radford," he said, in a low tone, " you were pleased 

 to make an impertinent observation upon my conduct, which 

 led me to tell you what I think of yours. We were inter- 

 rupted; but I dare say you must wish for further conversation 

 with me. You can have it when and where you please." 



"At three o'clock this afternoon, in the road straight from 

 the back of the house," replied young Radford, in a low, deter- 

 mined tone, touching the hilt of his sword. 



Sir Edward Digby nodded, and then turning on his heel, 

 walked coolly into the house. 



" I am sure, Sir Edward," cried Mrs. Barbara, as soon as 

 she saw him, while Zara fixed her eyes somewhat anxiously 

 upon his countenance, " I am sure you and Mr. Radford have 

 been quarrelling." 



"Oh, no! my dear madam," replied Sir Edward Digby; 

 " nothing of the kind, I can assure you. Our words were 

 very ordinary words, and perfectly civil upon my word. We 

 had no time to quarrel." 



"My dear Sir Edward," said Sir Robert Croyland, "you 

 must excuse me for saying it, I must have no such things 

 here; I am a magistrate for this county, and bound by my 

 oath to keep the peace. My sister tells me that high words 

 passed between you and my young friend Radford before 

 breakfast?" 



" They were very few, Sir Robert," answered Digby, in a 



