She could not doubt it.  There was then nothing to be done but wait in patience for the explanation she was certain would yet come.  But on with what leaden motion the hours went by!  For a few days she made a pretence of her usual employments, but at the end of a week her embroidery frame stood uncovered, her books were unopened her music silent, and she declared herself unable to take her customary walk.  Her mother watched her with unspeakable sympathy, but Cornelia’s grief was dumb; it made no audible moan, and preserved an attitude which repelled all discussion.  As yet she would not acknowledge a doubt of her lover’s faith; his conduct was certainly a mystery, but she told her heart with a passionate iteration that it would positively be cleared up.

Now and then the Doctor, or a visitor, made a remark which might have broken this implicit trust, and probably did facilitate that end; for it was evident from them, that Hyde was in health, and that he was taking his share in the usual routine of daily life:—­thus, one day Mrs. Wiley while making a call said—­

“I met the new Countess and the Lady Annie Hyde, and I can tell you the new Countess is very much of a Countess.  As for the Lady Annie,” she added, “she was wrapped to her nose in furs, and you could see nothing of her but two large black eyes, that even at a distance made you feel sad and uncomfortable.  However Lord George Hyde appeared to be very much her servant.”

“There has been talk of a marriage between them,” answered Mrs. Moran, for she was anxious to put her daughter out of all question.  “I should think it would be a very proper marriage.”

“Oh, indeed, ‘proper marriages’ seldom come off.  Love marriages are the fashion at present.”

“Are they not the most proper of all?”

“On the contrary, is there anything more indiscreet?  Of a thousand couples who marry for love, hardly one will convince us that the thing can be done, and not repented of afterwards.”

“I think you are mistaken,” said Mrs. Moran coldly.”  Love should always seek its match, and that is love—­or nothing.”

“Oh indeed!  It is you are mistaken,” continued Mrs. Wiley.”  As the times go, Cupid has grown to cupidity, and seeks his match in money or station, or such things.”

“Money, or station, or such things find their match in money, or station, or such things.—­They are not love.”

“Well then the three may go together in this case.  But the girl has an uncanny, unworldlike face.  Captain Wiley says he has seen mermaids with the same long look in their eyes.  Do you know that Rem Van Ariens has gone to Boston?”

“We have heard so;”—­and then the Doctor entered, and after the usual formalities said, “I have just met Earl Hyde and his Countess parading themselves in the fine carriage he brought with him, ’Tis a thousand pities the President did not wait in New York to see the sight.”