Everyone was astonished that Hardy, with all his quickness and penetration, had not yet discovered their proceedings; but Loveit could not help suspecting that he was not quite so ignorant as he appeared to be. Loveit had strictly kept his promise of secrecy; but he was by no means an artful boy; and in talking to his friend, conscious that he had something to conceal, he was perpetually on the point of betraying himself; then recollecting his engagement, he blushed, stammered, bungled; and upon Hardy’s asking what he meant, would answer with a silly, guilty countenance, that he did not know; or abruptly break off, saying, “Oh nothing! nothing at all!”
It was in vain that he urged Tarlton to permit him to consult his friend. A gloom overspread Tarlton’s brow when he began to speak on th
