Page:Ethel Churchill 2.pdf/56

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54
ETHEL CHURCHILL.

cover how groundless are her apprehensions. No good ever comes of speaking on such a subject. A woman always exaggerates to herself as she talks. Silence is the first step to forgetfulness. One word about Mrs. Churchill: I know that her name is down, in Sir Robert's list of confirmed Jacobites. There is a suspicion of a correspondence carried on by her means with the Court of St. Germains. Whatever happens, she shall find a friend in me. Let me give you the satisfaction of contributing to her security."

Norbourne pressed his uncle's hand, and they parted in silence. The latter remained for a few minutes lost in thought.

"I did it for the best," exclaimed he, half aloud; "and, after all, what is love? I only hope that making an attachment an unhappy one, will not turn out the only receipt for securing its continuance."

He then drew towards the table, and was soon completely absorbed in the perusal of a memorial.

After all, there is nothing like business for