I have come, madame,
to give your ladyship the history of a hunt; not, however, of a
chase after wild beasts, of the hart and the hare, but of an all-
conquering cavalier, who, however, judging from the manner in which
he fled and sought to save himself, must possess the cowardice of
the hare, and the fleet foot of the hart. You know, I presume, that
I speak of your beau cousin, and myself."
While Lord Elliot spoke, Camilla stared in breathless agony at her
cousin. She seemed to hope to read in his pale face the explanation
of this incomprehensible riddle; she expected him to command her
husband to be silent, and to offer him some new insult. But Kindar
did not speak, and Camilla came to a desperate resolution. She was
determined to know why he stood so pale and trembling before her
husband. She would force him to an explanation.
"It is wholly unnecessary, my lord," she said, in a haughty tone,
"to relate your history to me; I am acquainted with all the
particulars of the chase of which you speak. I know your degradation
and humiliation--I know that you fell upon your knees and pleaded
for pardon when satisfaction was demanded of you.
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