back; I thought you were above any such petty triumph over another!"
"You know I am not thinking of any such thing," answered she, sullenly: "but have the goodness to tell me, why I should help you to make love to Lady Marchmont?"
"I am sure," cried Walter, "I want your help in nothing of the kind. I do not, I never could love Lady Marchmont: you know," added he, in a faltering voice, "that I love another!"
It was with bitter reluctance that he said this; he could not bear even an allusion to Ethel's name; but it was the penalty of his own conduct: he could not allow Lavinia's most unfounded jealousy to interfere with the only reparation in his power. The actress felt that he spoke the truth; and, ashamed of the petulance that she had displayed, now sought to bring the subject round a little.
"But why should you interfere in the matter? It will ruin you with Sir George!—you will lose your situation!"
