"I am lonely now.
Sometimes, for months together, I feel no need of a companion: my
books and pictures content me. All at once a longing for society
will seize me, and that longing my health will not permit me to
indulge. I am not by nature unsociable--much the contrary. You may
wonder I do not admit my own family more freely; but my wretched
health makes me shrink from loud voices and abrupt motions."
"But lady Arctura!" thought Donal. "Your lordship will find me a
poor substitute, I fear," he said, "for the society you would like.
But I am at your lordship's service."
He could not help turning with a moment's longing and regret to his
tower-nest and the company of his books and thoughts; but he did not
feel that he had a choice.
CHAPTER XXXII.
THE SECOND DINNER WITH THE EARL.
He went as before, conducted by the butler, and formally announced.
To his surprise, with the earl was lady Arctura. His lordship made
him give her his arm, and followed.
This was to Donal a very different dinner from that of the evening
before. Whether the presence of his niece made the earl rouse
himself to be agreeable, or he had grown better since the morning
and his spirits had risen, certainly he was not like the same man.
He talked in a rather forced-playful way, but told two or three good
stories; described with vivacity some of the adventures of his
youth; spoke of several great men he had met; and in short was all
that could be desired in a host.
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