For perhaps two hours after Beulah’s departure Mrs. Chilton wandered up and down the parlors, revolving numerous schemes explanatory of her unexpected exodus.  Completely nonplused, for the first time in her life, she sincerely rued the expression of dislike and contempt which had driven the orphan from her adopted home; and, unable to decide on the most plausible solution to be offered her brother, she paced restlessly to and fro.  Engrossed by no particularly felicitous reflections, she failed to notice Mazeppa’s quick tramp, and remained in ignorance of the doctor’s return until he entered the room, and stood beside her.  His manner was hurried, his thoughts evidently preoccupied, as he said: 

“May, I am going into the country to be absent all of tomorrow, and possibly longer.  There is some surgical work to be performed for a careless hunter, and I must start immediately.  I want you to see that a room is prepared for Percy Lockhart.  He is very feeble, and I have invited him to come and stay with me while he is in the city.  He rode out this evening, and is worse from the fatigue.  I shall expect you to see that everything is provided for him that an invalid could desire.  Can I depend upon you?”

“Certainly; I will exert myself to render his stay here pleasant; make yourself easy on that score.”  It was very evident that the cloud was rapidly lifting from her heart and prospects; but she veiled the sparkle in her eye, and, unsuspicious of anything amiss, her brother left the room.  Walking up to one of the mirrors, which extended from floor to ceiling, she surveyed herself carefully, and a triumphant smile parted her lips.

“Percy Lockhart is vulnerable as well as other people, and I have yet to see the man whose heart will proudly withstand the allurements of flattery, provided the homage is delicately and gracefully offered.  Thank Heaven! years have touched me lightly, and there was more truth than she relished in what Julia Vincent said about my beauty!”

This self-complacent soliloquy was cut short by the appearance of her brother, who carried a case of surgical instruments in his hand.

“May, tell Beulah I am sorry I did not see her.  I would go up and wake her, but have not time.  She wished to ask me something.  Tell her, if it is anything of importance, to do just as she likes; I will see about it when I come home.  Be sure you tell her.  Good-night; take care of Percy.”  He turned away, but she exclaimed: 

“She is not here, Guy.  She asked me this evening if she might spend the night at the asylum.  She thought you would not object, and certainly I had no authority to prevent her.  Indeed, the parlor was full of company, and I told her she might go if she wished.  I suppose she will be back early in the morning.”

His face darkened instantly, and she felt that he was searching her with his piercing eyes.