JVYLDER'S HAJVD
175
and air and celestial evenings, and thinking of something
quite different. Had you not better turn back to Gyling-
den, or the Lodge, or wherever you mean to pass the eve-
ing, and leave me to my quiet walk and my solitude?"
"In a few minutes, dear Radie — you are so odd. I
really believe you think no one can enjoy a ramble like
this but yourself."
"Come, Stanley, what do you want?" said his sister,
stopping short, and speaking with the flush of irritation on
her cheek — " do you mean to walk to Redman's Dell, or
have you anything unpleasant t o say?"
"Neither, I hope," said the Captain, with his sleepy
smile.
"I don't understand you, Stanley, I am always uncom-
fortable when you are near me. You stand there like an
evil spirit, with some purpose which I cannot divine; but
you shall not ensnare me. Pursue your own plots —
your wicked plots; but let me rest. I will be released,
sir, from your presence."
"Really this is very fine, Radie, considering how we
are related; I'm Mephistophiles, I suppose, and you Mar-
garet, or some other simple heroine — rebuking the fiend
in the majesty of your purity."
"I tell you, Stanley, I feel that you design employing
me in some of your crooked plans. I have horrible rea-
sons, as you know, for avoiding you, and so I will. I hope
I may never desire to see you alone, again, but if I do, it
shall not be to receive, but to impose commands. You
had better return to Gylingden, and leave me."
"So I will, dear Radie, by-and-by," said he, with hia
amused smile.
"That is, you won't until you have said what you med-
itate. Well, then, as it seems I must hear it, pray speak
at once, standing where we are, for the sun will soon go
down, and one step more I will not walk with you."