THE SMUGGLER. 257 



should know that Mr. Radford was coming; and up she 

 started, casting down half-a-dozen cards of silk. Zara tried 

 to stop her ; for she knew her father, and all the signs and in- 

 dications of his humours; but her efforts were in vain. Mrs. 

 Barbara dashed past her, rushed through both doors, leaving 

 them open behind her, and caught her brother's arms just as 

 the horse which he had thought fit to hear approach a little 

 before it really did so, was led up slowly from the stables to 

 the back door of the mansion. 



" Robert, here is Mr. RadfordI" said Mrs. Barbara, aloud. 

 " I know you would like to see him." 



The baronet turned his head, and saw his worthy friend, 

 through the open doors, just entering the vestibule. To the 

 horror and surprise of his sister, he uttered a low but bitter 

 curse, adding, in tones quite distinct enough to reach her ear. 

 " Woman, you have ruined me!" 



"Good gracious I'' cried Mrs. Barbara; " why, I thought " 



"Hush! silence!" said Sir Robert Croyland, in a menacing 

 tone; " not another word, on your life;'' and turning, he met 

 Mr. Radford with the utmost suavity, but with a certain de- 

 gree of restraint which he had not time to banish entirely 

 from his manner. 



"Ah, Mr. Radford!'' he exclaimed, shaking him, too, 

 heartily by the hand; "I was just going out to inquire about 

 some things of importance;" and he gazed at him with a look 

 which he intended to be very significant of the inquiries he 

 had proposed to institute. But his glance was hesitating and 

 ill-assured; and Mr. Radford replied, with the coolest and 

 most self-possessed air possible, and with a firm, fixed gaze 

 upon the baronet's countenance. 



" Indeed, Sir Robert!" he said; " perhaps I can satisfy you 

 upon some points; but, at all events, I must speak with you 

 for a few minutes before you go. Good morning, Sir Edward 

 Digby; have you had any sport in the field? I will not de- 

 tain you a quarter of an hour, my good friend. We had 

 better go into your room." 



lie led the way thither as he spoke, and Sir Robert Croy- 

 land followed with a slow and faltering step. He knew 

 Richard Radford ; he knew what that calm and self-possessed 

 manner meant. He was aware of the significance of courteous 

 expressions and amicable terms from the man who called him 



