"
"He will excuse you, sweetheart, when I beg him to do so," said Lord
Elliot, with a soft smile. "I will seek him at once, and make your
excuses. Be kind enough to wait for me here, I will return
immediately." He kissed her fondly upon the brow, and hastened off.
Camilla looked after him and sighed deeply; then, drawing back the
long leaves of the palm, she entered the grotto; she stepped hastily
back when she saw that the green divan was occupied, and tried to
withdraw, but her mother held her and greeted her kindly. Camilla
laughed aloud. "Ah, mother, it appears as if I am to be ever in your
way; although I no longer dwell in your house, I still disturb your
pleasures. But I am discreet; let your friend withdraw; I will not
see him, I will not know his name, and when my most virtuous husband
returns, he will find only two modest gentlewomen. Go, sir; I will
turn away, that I may not see you."
"I rather entreat you, my dear Camilla, to turn your lovely face
toward me, and to greet me kindly," said Major du Trouffle, stepping
from behind the shadow of the palm, and giving his hand to Camilla.
She gazed at him questioningly, and when at last she recognized him,
she burst out into a merry peal of laughter.
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