3-lG THE SMUGGLER. 



"Well," he said, at length, "let us wait, and hear what 

 poor Lay ton has to tell you. Perhaps he may have gained 

 some further insight, or may have formed some plan; and now 

 Zara, let us for a moment speak of ourselves. You see, to-day, 

 I have been forced to make love to you." 



" Too much,'' said Zara, gravely. " I am sure you intended 

 it for the best ; but I am sorry it could not be avoided." 



" And yet it is very pleasant," answered Digby, half jest- 

 ingly, half seriously. 



Zara seemed agitated : " Do not, do not I" she replied ; " my 

 mind is too full of sad things, to think of what might be plea- 

 sant or not at another time;" and she turned a look towards 

 him, in which kindness, entreaty, and seriousness were all so 

 blended, that it left; him in greater doubt than ever, of her 

 sensations. "Besides," she added, the serious predominating 

 in her tone, "consider what a difference one rash word, on 

 either part, may make between us. Let me regard you, at 

 least for 'the present, as a friend, or a brother as you once said, 

 Digby; let me take counsel with you, seek your advice, 

 call for your assistance, without one thought or care to shackle 

 or restrain me. In pity, do; fur you know not how much I 

 need support." 



" Then I am most ready to give it, on your own terms, and 

 in your own way," answered Digby, warmly; but, immedi- 

 ately afterwards, he fell into a reverie, and in his own mind 

 thought: " She is wrong in her view; or indifferent towards 

 me. With a lover to whom all is acknowledged, and with 

 whom all is decided, she would have greater confidence, than 

 with a friend, towards whom the dearest feelings of the heart 

 are in doubt. This must be resolved speedily, but not now t ; 

 for it evidently agitates her too much. Yet, after all, in that 

 agitation is hope." 



Just as his meditations had reached this point, they passed 

 by the little public house of the Chequers, then a very favou- 

 rite sign in England, and especially in that part of the country ; 

 and in five minutes after, they perceived a horseman on the 

 road, riding rapidly towards them. 



" There is Layton," said Sir Edward Digby, as he came 

 somewhat nearer; but Zara gazed forward with surprise at 

 the tall, manly figure, dressed in the handsome uniform of the 

 time, the pale but noble countenance, and the calm command- 



