Part 41 (1/2)

It was very delicious, but, all the same, he wished that it was all to come, and that she had been more retiring and reserved.

Still, she loved him. There was no doubt of that, and perceiving that he was dreamy, and strange, and likely to excite notice from his companion, he roused himself from the reverie.

”Well, d.i.c.k,” he cried, laughing, ”what have you to say now to your story of the patriarchs?”

”Well, I don't know. I suppose it must be all a flam.”

”Yes, there's no doubt about that, and you have wasted a sovereign that might have gone in b.u.t.tonholes and gloves.”

”Oh, no--not wasted,” cried the little fellow. ”Decidedly not. Oh, no, my dear boy, my experience teaches me that it is always as well in such matters to have a friend at court.”

”I say, young fellow,” cried Glen, who had cast off his reserve, and was now making an effort to be merry, ”you say, 'in these affairs'! In the name of commonsense, how many love affairs do you happen to have had?”

”Well, really,” said the boy importantly, ”I don't exactly know.

Somehow or another, I did begin early.”

Glen laughed merrily, and went on chatting away; but somehow the thoughts of Marie's reproachful eyes were mingled largely with those of Clotilde's longing, loving gaze, and there were times when he did not know whether he was most happy or most vexed.

Volume 2, Chapter V.

A WALK IN THE GARDENS.

The days glided on, with the younger sisters wondering at the change that had taken place, for everything now seemed to be done with an idea to their comfort.

Mr Montaigne called, according to his custom, pretty frequently, and he was quite affectionate in his ways. He and the Honourable Misses Dymc.o.x had long conversations together, after which he used to go, seeming to bless Clotilde and Marie, he was so paternal and gentle--Ruth obtaining, too, her share of his benevolent smiles.

Then, after a good deal of waiting, came a time when Clotilde met Glen alone. The latter did not know that he had d.i.c.k to thank for the arrangement; but he it was who made the suggestion to Clotilde, by whom the idea was seized at once, and the very next morning she proposed that Marie and she should have a walk in the gardens directly after breakfast.

”My head aches a good deal, aunties, and a walk will do it good.”

Miss Philippa looked at her sister, and Miss Isabella returned the look.

”Well, my dears, as it is far too early for anyone to be down from London,” said Miss Philippa, ”I think you might go, don't you, sister?”

”Yes, decidedly,” said Miss Isabella; and the young ladies went up to dress, Markes entering the bedroom as they prepared for their walk.

”But you two ain't going alone?” said the maid.

”Indeed but we are, Markes,” retorted Clotilde.

”But not without your aunts?”

”Yes, of course. How absurd you are!”

”Well, things is coming to a pretty pa.s.s! I couldn't have believed it if I'd been told.”

She went out, and, according to her custom, slammed the door, but it was not heeded now; and soon after, with the affectionate kisses of their aunts moist upon their cheeks, the two girls strolled along one of the paths in the direction of the Lion Gate.

For a time they were very silent, but at last, after two or three sidelong glances at Marie, Clotilde opened the ball.