Hastings could scarcely refrain from upbraiding her for her
perfidy, but thinking the time had not yet come, he restrained his
wrath, and when, next he spoke, it was to tell her of a _foreign
tour_ which he intended making.
"I have long wished to visit the old world," said he, "and as
there is nothing in particular to prevent my doing so, I shall
probably start the first of June. I should go sooner, but I prefer
being on the ocean in the summer season."
For a moment Eugenia grew faint, fancying she saw an end of all
her hopes, but soon rallying, she expatiated largely upon the
pleasure and advantages to be derived from a tour through Europe,
saying, "it was a happiness she had herself greatly desired, but
should probably never realize."
"Not if you depend upon me for an escort," thought Mr. Hastings,
who, soon after, took his leave.
Much Eugenia wondered whether he would ask the important question,
and take her with him, and concluding at last that he would, she
secretly made some preparations for the expected journey! But alas
for her hopes! The spring went by the summer came, and she was
still Eugenia Deane, when one evening towards the middle of June,
Mr.
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