Days passed, and Lord Alphingham’s plan was matured, and submitted to Caroline’s sanction.  A fete, similar to that given by the Duchess, only commencing at a later hour, to permit a superb display of fireworks on the grounds, was to be given by a neighbouring nobleman, to which all the members of the Duchess’s party were invited.  The villa was some few miles off, and they were to leave Airslie at half-past eight.  That day Caroline was to feign indisposition, and remain undisturbed at home; at ten Lord Alphingham would dispatch a trusty servant, well disguised, with a note, apparently from Mrs. Hamilton, requesting her daughter’s immediate return, as she had been taken suddenly and dangerously ill.  This note was, of course, designed to impose upon any member of the party who might, by some mischance, remain at home, and be circulated among the servants to account for her sudden departure.  The carriage, said to be Mr. Hamilton’s, waited for her; Lord Alphingham was to meet it at some five miles off; but once within it, once safe from Airslie, the rest was easy.

Caroline heard, and an inward shuddering crept chilly through her frame.  Faintly and briefly she agreed to all he so eloquently and persuasively pleaded, and instantly left him.

“Will she be weak enough now to waver?” thought Alphingham.  “Perhaps, after all, she is not worthy of all this trouble, there is no spirit in her; yet she is so beautiful, it will suit me well to introduce such a lovely creature as my bride next season, and gratify my vengeance on Mr. Hamilton for his unceremonious refusal, and if I get tired of her, if then tears and pale cheeks continue, why, thank heaven, no chains with me are binding.  That early folly of mine was not so useless as it seemed; I may act as I please, and if your daughter sickens or offends me, Mr. Hamilton, as you have done, you may well dread my vengeance, it will fall upon you both, and I unscathed will seek other lands and fairer beauties, as I have already done.”  His countenance had darkened during this speech, but at its close it became clear again, and, with a careless whistle of unconcern, he sauntered away.

And was it to this man that the cherished child of so much anxiety was about to sacrifice herself—­with him and for him, she, who had once been the soul of truth and honour, had consented to leave the guardianship of her father, and break the sacred links of nature?  Alas! though her very spirit now revolted, she had gone too far.  How could she, how dared she draw back? and yet one effort she would make.  She would implore him to permit her to confess all to her parents; she was convinced, did they know how much her happiness depended on her union with him, they would consent, and with their blessing hallow their marriage.  Happiness—­Caroline shuddered; the wild excitement of secret love had departed.  She knew she was beloved, she had given her promise, yet she was not happy; and could she then expect to be when irrevocably his own?  Her brain reeled beneath the bewildering chaos of her thoughts; but she followed up her resolution, and implored him as she had intended.  Lord Alphingham heard with a dark and frowning brow.