"
"Upon my word, maiden Margaret," said the lady, smiling, "you have
been of late thinking very much of these matters."
"Perhaps too much, madam," said Margaret, so low as only to be heard
by the lady, behind the back of whose chair she had now placed
herself. The words were spoken very gravely, and accompanied by a half
sigh, which did not escape the attention of her to whom they were
addressed. The Lady Hermione turned immediately round, and looked
earnestly at Margaret, then paused for a moment, and, finally,
commanded Monna Paula to carry her frame and embroidery into the
antechamber. When they were left alone, she desired her young friend
to come from behind the chair on the back of which she still rested,
and sit down beside her upon a stool.
"I will remain thus, madam, under your favour," answered Margaret,
without changing her posture; "I would rather you heard me without
seeing me."
"In God's name, maiden," returned her patroness, "what is it you can
have to say, that may not be uttered face to face, to so true a friend
as I am?"
Without making any direct answer, Margaret only replied, "You were
right, dearest lady, when you said, I had suffered my feelings too
much to engross me of late. I have done very wrong, and you will be
angry with me--so will my godfather, but I cannot help it--he must be
rescued."
"_He?_" repeated the lady, with emphasis; "that brief little word
does, indeed, so far explain your mystery;--but come from behind the
chair, you silly popinjay! I will wager you have suffered yonder gay
young apprentice to sit too near your heart.
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