She took Ashmead's arm again and moved
away.
Then Zoe turned back and beckoned Vizard. He joined her. "There she is,"
said Zoe; "shall I speak to her?"
Would you believe it? He thought a moment, and then said, gloomily,
"Well, no. Half cured now. Seen the lover in time." So that opportunity
was frittered away.
Before the English party left the Kursaal, Zoe asked, timidly, if they
ought not to make some inquiry about Mr. Severne. He had been taken ill
again.
"Ay, taken ill, and gone to be cured at another table," said Vizard,
ironically. "I'll make the tour, and collar him."
He went off in a hurry; Miss Maitland faced a glass and proceeded to
arrange her curl.
Fanny, though she had offered no opposition to Vizard's going, now seized
Zoe's arm with unusual energy, and almost dragged her aside. "The idea of
sending Harrington on that fool's errand!" said she, peevishly. "Why,
Zoe! where are your eyes?"
Zoe showed her by opening them wide. "What _do_ you mean?"
"What--do--I--mean? No matter. Mr. Severne is not in this building, and
you know it."
"How can I know? All is so mysterious," faltered Zoe. "How do _you_
know?"
"Because--there--least said is soonest mended.
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