382 THE SMUGGLER, 



Zara paused and thought ; but all was still dark on every 

 side, and she could extract no ray of light from the gloom. 

 Digby did not fail (as how could a lover neglect?) to try to 

 lead her mind to pleasanter themes; and he did so in some 

 degree. But we have been too long eaves- dropping upon pri- 

 vate intercourse, and we will do so no more. The rest of the 

 day passed iii that mingled light and shade, which has a finer 

 interest than the mere broad sunshine, till the return of Sir 

 Robert Groyland, when the deep sadness that overspread his 

 countenance clouded the happiness of all the rest. 



Shortly after, Zara saw her lover's servant ride up the 

 road, at considerable speed ; and as it wanted but half an hour 

 to dinner-time, Digby, who marked his coming also, retired to 

 dress. When he returned to the drawing-room, there was a 

 deeper and a sterner gloom upon his brow than the fair girl 

 had ever seen; but her father and aunt were both present, 

 and no explanation could take place. After dinner, too, Sir 

 Robert Croyland and his guest returned to the drawing-room 

 together; and though the cloud was still upon Digby 's coun- 

 teii^^e, and he was graver than he had ever before appeared, 

 yet she whom he loved could gain no tidings. To her he was 

 still all tenderness and attention; but Zara could not play the 

 part, she had undertaken; and often her eyes rested on his 

 face, with a mute, sad questioning, which made her aunt say 

 to herself, " Well, Zara is in love at last I" 



Thus passed a couple of hours, during which not above ten 

 words were uttered by Sir Robert Croyland. At length, lights 

 were brought in, after they had been for some time necessary; 

 and at the end of about ten minutes more, the sound of several 

 horses coming at a quick pace was heard. The feet stopped 

 at the great door, the bell rang, and voices sounded in the 

 hall. The tones of one, deep, clear and mellow, made both 

 Zara and her father start ; and in a minute after, the butler 

 entered (he was an old servant) saying, in a somewhat em- 

 barrassed manner, " Colonel Sir Henry Lay ton, sir, wishes to 

 speak with you on business of importance.'' 



"Who, who? 5 ' demanded Sir Robert, " Sir Henry Laytonl 

 Well, well, take him in some where I'' 



He rose from his chair, but staggered perceptibly for a mo- 

 ment; then, overcoming the emotion that he could not but 

 feel, he steadied himself by the arm of his chair, and left the 



