`Is that affectionate ebullition intended for my hair, or myself, nurse?' said I, laughingly turning round upon her;--but a tear was even now in her eye.
`What do you mean, Rachel?' I exclaimed.
`Well, ma'am, I don't know,--but if--'
`If what?'
`Well, if I was you, I wouldn't have that Lady Lowborough in the house another minute--not another minute I wouldn't!'
I was thunderstruck; but before I could recover from the shock sufficiently to demand an explanation, Milicent entered my rooms she frequently does, when she is dressed before me; and she stayed with me till it was time to go down. She must have found me a very unsociable companion this time, for Rachel's last words rung in my ears. But still, I hoped--I trusted they had no foundation but in some idle rumour of the servants from what they had seen in Lady Lowborough's manner last month; or, perhaps, from something that had passed between their master and her during her former visit. At dinner, I narrowly observed both her and Arthur, and saw nothing extraordinary in the conduct of either--nothing calculated to excite suspicion, except in distrustful minds--which mine was not, and therefore I would not suspect.
Almost immediately after dinner, Annabella went out with her husband to share his moonlight ramble, for it was a splendid evening like the last.
Mr. Hargrave entered the drawing-room a little before the others, and challenged me to a game of chess. He did it without any of that sad, but proud humility he usually assumes in addressing me, unless he is excited with wine. I looked at his face to see if that was the case now. His eye met mine keenly, but steadily: there was something about him I did not understand, but he seemed sober enough. Not choosing to engage with him, I referred him to Milicent.
`She plays badly,' said he: `I want to match my skill with yours.
Come now!--you can't pretend you are reluctant to lay down your work--I know you never take it up except to pass an idle hour, when there is nothing better you can do.'
`But chess players are so unsociable,' I objected; `they are no company for any but themselves.
`There is no one here--but Milicent, and she--'
`Oh, I shall be delighted to watch you!' cried our mutual friend.--`Two such players--it will be quite a treat! I wonder which will conquer.'
I consented.
`Now Mrs. Huntingdon,' said Hargrave, as he arranged the men on the board, speaking distinctly, and with a peculiar emphasis as if he had a double meaning to all his words, `you are a good player,--but I am a better: we shall have a long game, and you will give me some trouble; but I can be as patient as you, and, in the end, I shall certainly win.' He fixed his eyes upon me with a glance I did not like--keen, crafty, bold, and almost impudent; already half triumphant in his anticipated success.
`I hope not, Mr. Hargrave!' returned I, with a vehemence that must have startled Milicent at least; but he only smiled and murmured,--`Time will shew.'
We set to work; he, sufficiently interested in the game, but calm and fearless in the consciousness of superior skill; I, intensely eager to disappoint his expectations, for I considered this the type of a more serious contests I imagined he did--and I felt an almost superstitious dread of being beaten: at all events, I could ill endure that present success should add one tittle to his conscious power (his insolent self-confidence, I ought to say), or encourage, for a moment, his dream of future conquest.
His play was cautious and deep, but I struggled hard against him. For some time the combat was doubtful; at length, to my joy, the victory seemed inclining to my side: I had taken several of his best pieces, and manifestly baffled his projects. He put his hand to his brow and paused, in evident perplexity. I rejoiced in my advantage, but dared not glory in it yet.
At length, he lifted his head, and, quietly making his move, looked at me and said, calmly,--`Now you think you will win, don't you.'
`I hope so,' replied I, taking his pawn, that he had pushed into the way of my bishop with so careless an air that I thought it was an oversight, but was not generous enough, under the circumstances, to direct his attention to it, and too heedless, at the moment, to foresee the after consequences of my move.
`It is those bishops that trouble me,' said he; `but the bold knight can overleap the reverend gentleman,' taking my last bishop with his knight;--'and now, those sacred persons once removed, I shall carry all before me.
`Oh Walter, how you talk!' cried Milicent.--'She has far more pieces than you still.'
`I intend to give you some trouble yet,' said I; `and perhaps, sir, you will find yourself checkmated before you are aware. Look to your queen.'
The combat deepened. The game was a long one, and I did give him some trouble: but he was a better player than I.
`What keen gamesters you are!' said Mr. Hattersley, who had now entered, and been watching us for some time. `Why, Mrs. Huntingdon, your hand trembles as if you had staked your all upon it! and Walter--you dog--you look as deep and cool as if you were certain of success,--and as keen and cruel as if you would drain her heart's blood! But if I were you, I wouldn't beat her, for very fear: she'll hate you if you do--he will, by Heaven!--I see it in her eye.'
`Hold your tongue, will you?' said I--his talk distracted me, for I was driven to extremities. A few more moves and I was inextricably entangled in the snare of my antagonist.