'You were,
however, in some degree, my companion, for a volume of your poems was
one of the few books I had with me. I parted with all the rest, but I
retained that. It is in my cabin, and full of my scribblement. If you
would condescend to accept it, I would offer it to you.'
Mr. Herbert and Lord Cadurcis maintained the conversation along the
terrace. Venetia, by whose side her old companion walked, was quite
silent. Once her eyes met those of Cadurcis; his expression of mingled
archness and astonishment was irresistible. His cousin and Lady
Annabel carried on a more suppressed conversation, but on ordinary
topics. When they had reached the olive-grove Herbert said, 'Here lies
our way homeward, my lord. If you and your cousin will accompany us,
it will delight Lady Annabel and myself.'
'Nothing, I am sure, will give George and myself greater pleasure,' he
replied. 'We had, indeed, no purpose when you met us but to enjoy our
escape from imprisonment, little dreaming we should meet our kindest
and oldest friends,' he added.
'Kindest and oldest friends!' thought Herbert to himself. 'Well, this
is strange indeed.'
'It is but a slight distance,' said Lady Annabel, who thought it
necessary to enforce the invitation. 'We live in the valley, of which
yonder hill forms a part.
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