The nature of my important
official duties is such that I am not permitted to exhibit my
real character to any one here as yet. I am charged with some very
delicate public duties which may force me to linger here for some
time, or perhaps disappear without notice, only to return in the
same mysterious manner. But in me you have a stanch secret friend
always. I have already written to your charming sister, and I expect
to receive from her letters which will be followed by letters to
you from her. And I shall write to-day and tell her of your goodness
to me." Miss Justine Delande's eyes were downcast. Her agitated
bosom was throbbing with an unaccustomed fire, and the desire to
be safely sheltered once more in Hugh Johnstone's marble palace
was now strong upon her.
Hawke paused, still keeping his pleading eyes fixed upon the
fluttering-hearted woman's face. "Miss Nadine sees absolutely no
one!" murmured the governess, "and, of course, I never leave her.
It is a very exacting and laborious position, this charge which I
now fill, and of course the life is a very lonely one, though Nadine
is an angel!" enthusiastically cried Miss Justine.
"And so," earnestly said Major Alan Hawke, "I am absolutely prevented
from seeing you, unless you will trust yourself to me, and come
here again." The frightened woman cast a glance at the unfamiliar
loveliness of the secluded garden, with the hidden kiosques, sacred
to Ram Lal's furtive amours.
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