Nay, I'll
never believe but he made his confidences to Betty when he came to
the Manor House the Sunday after you were gone, though not a word
could I get from her."
"It must have been all a mistake," said Aurelia, not without a little
twinge at the thought of what might have been. "I wish you would not
talk of it."
"Well he could have been but a fickle adorer--'tis the way of men,
my dear, for he must have found some new flame while his mother and
the Colonel were both at the Bath. They have proof positive of his
riding out of town at sundown, but whither he goes is unknown, for he
takes not so much as a groom with him, and he is always in time for
morning parade."
"Poor young man, it is hard to be so beset with spies and watchers,"
said Aurelia.
"Most true," said Harriet, "but I am monstrous glad you are safe
married like me, child, so that no one can accuse us. Such romantic
affairs are well enough to furnish a course of letters to the _Tatler_,
or the _Gentlewomen's Magazine_, but I am thankful for a comfortable
life with my good man."
Therewith they reached their inn, where Harriet, having satisfied
herself that the said good man was safe within, and profiting by the
unwonted calm to write his inaugural sermon, took Aurelia to her
bedroom to prepare for dinner, and to indulge in further confidences.
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