304 THE SMUGGLER. 



consequence, presenting obstacles to any free communication 

 between two people who were almost as desirous of some pri- 

 vate conversation as if they had been lovers. 



A little before three o'clock, however, Zara Croyland, who 

 had been looking out of the window, suddenly quitted the 

 drawing-room; and Sir Edward Digby, who maintained his 

 post, was left to entertain Mrs. Barbara, which he did to the 

 best of his abilities. He was still in full career, a little en- 

 joying, to say sooth, some of the good lady's minor absurdi- 

 ties, when Zara re-entered the room with a quick step, and a 

 somewhat eager look. Her fair cheek was flushed too; and 

 her face had in it that sort of determined expression which 

 often betrays that there has been a struggle in the mind, as 

 to some step about to be taken, and that victory has not been 

 achieved without an effort. 



" Sir Edward Digby,'' she said, in a clear and distinct tone, 

 " I want to speak with you for a few moments, if you please." 



Mrs. Barbara looked shocked, and internally wondered that 

 Zara could not have made some little excuse for engaging Sh 

 Edward in private conversation. 



" She might have asked him to go and see a flower, or 

 offered to play him a tune on the harpsichord, or taken him 

 to look at the dove-cot, or anything,'' thought Mrs. Bar- 

 bara. 



The young officer, however, instantly started up, and accom- 

 panied his fair inviter towards the library, to which she led 

 the way with a hurried and eager step. 



"Let us come in herel" she said, opening the door; but 

 the moment she was within, she sank into a chair and clasped 

 her hands together. 



Sir Edward Digby shut the door, and then advanced to- 

 wards her, a great deal surprised and somewhat alarmed b) 

 the agitation he saw her display. She did not speak for a 

 moment, as if completely overpowered, and feeling for hei 

 more deeply than he himself knew, her companion took her 

 hand and tried to soothe her, saying, "Be calm; be calm, my 

 dear Miss Croyland! You know you can trust in me; and ii 

 I can aid you in any way, command me." 



"I know not what to do, or what to say," cried Z.ira; 

 "but I am sure, Sir Edward, you will find excuses for me: 

 and therefore I will make none; though I may perhaps seem 



