THE SMUGGLER. 125 



As lie- Descended to the hall, in order to join the keepers 

 and their four-footed coadjutors, the young baronet encoun- 

 tered Mrs. Barbara and her neice; and he perceived Zara's 

 eyes instantly glance to his sword-belt, from which he had 

 taken care to remove a weapon that could only be inconvenient 

 to him in the sport he was about to pursue. She was not so 

 easily to be deceived as her father; but yet the absence of the 

 woaffon usually employed in those days, as the most efficacious 

 for killing a fellow- creature, put her mind at ease, at least for 

 the present; and, although she determined to watch the pro- 

 ceedings of the young baronet during the two or three follow- 

 ing days, as far, at least, as propriety would permit, she took 

 no further notice at the moment, being very anxious to pre- 

 vent her good aunt from interfering more than necessary in 

 the affairs of Sir Edward Digby. 



Mrs. Barbara, indeed, was by no means well pleased that 

 Sir Edward was going to deprive her schemes of the full 

 benefit which might have accrued from his passing the whole 

 of that day unoccupied, with Zara, at Harbourne House, and 

 hinted significantly that she trusted if he did not find good 

 sport he would return early, as her niece was very fond of a 

 ride over the hills, only that she had no companion. 



The poor girl coloured warmly, and the more so as Sir Ed- 

 ward could not refrain from a smile. 



"I trust, then, I shall have the pleasure of being your com- 

 panion to-morrow, Miss Croyland," he said, turning to the 

 young lady. " Why should we not ride over, and see your-, 

 excellent uncle and your sister? I must certainly pay my 

 respects to him ; and if I may have the honour of escorting 

 you, it will give double pleasure to my ride." 



Zara Croyland was well aware that many a matter, which 

 if treated seriously may become annoying, if not dangerous, 

 can be carried lightly off by a gay and dashing jest: "Ohl 

 with all my heart,'' she said; "only remember, Sir Edward, 

 we must have plenty of servants with us, or else all the people 

 in the country will say that you and I are going to be married ; 

 and as I never intend that such a saying should be verified, it 

 will be as well to nip the pretty little blossom of gossip in the 

 bud." 



" It shall be all exactly as you please," replied the young 

 officer, with a low bow and a meaning smile ; but at the very 



