THE SMUGGLE!*, 365 



But Zara saw he was a little extending the brother's privi- 

 lege; and with a warm cheek but smiling lip, she answered, 

 "There, leave me now; I see you are learned in the art of 

 leading on from step to step. Go on your way, Edward; 

 and, oh! be kind to me, and do not make me feel this new 

 situation too deeply at first. There, pray take away your 

 arm ; none but a father's or a sister's has been there before ; 

 and it makes my heart beat, as if it were wrong." 



But Digby kept it where it was for a moment or two longer, 

 and gave a few instants to happiness, in which she shared, 

 though it agitated her. "Nay, go," she said, at length, in a 

 tone of entreaty, " and I will lie down and rest for an hour; 

 for I have sat up all night by the fire, lest I should be too 

 late. You must go, indeed. There is your horse upon the 

 terrace ; and we must not be selfish, but remember poor Edith 

 before we think of our own happiness." 



There was a sweet and frank confession in her words that 

 pleased Digby well; and leaving her with a heart at rest on 

 his own account, he mounted his horse and rode rapidly away 

 towards the quarters of Sir Henry Layton. 



