THE FIRST SUSPICION. 27 



aflfectionate heart when attached to those we love, shot 

 across the mmd of Fred., as the splendid figure of 

 Kate passed through the door. He did not, — he 

 would not, doubt her love ; still there was a something 

 that told him she was changed ; some unpleasant 

 thought had found foot-hold in his mind, to which, as 

 she appeared again radiant in beauty, he exclaimed, 

 " impossible." She merely kissed her hand, playfully 

 saying, " au revoir^'' ran down the stairs, and before 

 Fred, could rush to the door, her well-trained horse 

 was cantering up the street. 



Manderville returned to his home in a total pros- 

 tration of spirits he had never before experienced ; he 

 had no fixed doubt of liis mistress, but a something 

 told him a really fond and estimable woman would 

 have acted totally dififerent to the object of her affec- 

 tion under the pressure of calamity. He had no 

 inducement to go out; he meditated on his prospects 

 till he could bear his thoughts no longer. His valet 

 reminded him of the hour ; he mechanically changed 

 his dress. A few spoonfuls of mulligatawny, an 

 oyster patty, and a bottle of champagne, completed 

 his hasty meal. He strolled to the theatre ; looked 



in at , lost a few sovereigns at rouge et noir^ 



returned home, and his constant but fatal refuge, 

 brandy, procured that feverish but unrefreshing sleep 

 that to the wretched or the depraved is but too well 

 known. At that hour when a cup of chocolate is 

 often handed to the sons of wealth and aristocracy, 

 Fred.'s valet, knowing the uncertainty of his master's 

 wishes, inquired what he Avould like. " Cafe noir," 

 said Fred., and pouring a large glass of cogniac into 

 the cup, he took it ofi". " Call me at one," said he, and 

 again sunk into a heavy and perturbed sleep, reposo 



