Constance replied with tears, yet calmly and firmly: "Walter, be not
cruel; or, at least, be not unjust. You were ever impetuous, but also
ever ready to repair the evil you had done. It is ill of you to use so
harsh a word against one who has never wronged you. Alas! could you but
read my heart, you would also judge of me otherwise; but think of me as
your friend--your fervent and faithful friend--I will not prove
unworthy."
The Cavalier was about to reply, when Robin Hays was ushered into the
room by Barbara, who immediately withdrew. After bowing with due respect
to Constance, he was about to whisper into the ear of the Cavalier, who,
however, desired him to speak out, as he had nought to conceal from that
lady. The Ranger seemed but little astonished at receiving such a
command, and without further ceremony proceeded.
"I did hope, sir, that you would have left Cecil Place before this; Sir
Willmott Burrell will, I am certain, arrive within an hour; and you know
it is the Skipper's earnest desire that you should not meet."
"Robin, you told me all this but a little time past; and I know not why
I am to hear it again. I have nought to fear from this Burrell."
"It would be certainly unsafe, were there a possibility of his
suspecting you, for his----" Again Constantia interrupted herself; she
had been on the point of betraying her knowledge of Sir Willmott's
jealous and impatient temper; and, after a pause, she added, "but there
is little danger of that: as a boy, he never saw you; and he must
respect the friend of Major Wellmore."
"Ah, madam!" observed Robin, "he is no respecter of persons; and I see
no reason why two should meet again, who have already so roughly handled
each other."
"Where did they meet?" inquired Constance eagerly.
"There is no time to tell the story now, lady," replied Robin
impatiently. "As I see you know this gentleman, and knowing him, are too
generous not to be interested in his favour, urge, I beseech you, his
instant departure from Cecil Place. Surely I can explain every thing as
well as he. It was Dalton's wish----"
"I bitterly grieve to hear that you have aught to do with so bold, so
bad a man as Dalton," said Constance hastily; "his name brings to my
remembrance feelings of undefined pain, for which I cannot account. It
is long since I have heard of him; but something poor Barbara
communicated to me in her innocence, made me suspect he had been here.
Go then; and take my prayers, and (though nothing worth, it may be,) my
blessing. And now, farewell--farewell--at least for a time!"