Part 34 (1/2)

”Oh, no.”

They were being marshalled out to supper.

”You'll have to content yourself with me,” said Mrs. Stevens to Anthony, and he accepted smilingly. But she placed Cynthia next, so he could have a little talk with her. He was getting on so well, and she was glad for him.

Some one wanted Miss Tracy to waltz again. Then they had a galop, and the party broke up. Anthony said good-night, and that he was coming up on Sat.u.r.day. Then Saltonstall drew her into a little nook in the hall that made a connection with another room when it was open. Mrs. Stevens had smiled over its uses.

”Cynthia, my darling, I must tell you this,” and his voice seemed to throb with emotion. ”I want the right to come and visit you as lovers have, for I love you, love you! I am coming to see Mr. Leverett and ask his permission. I do nothing but dream of you day and night. You are the sweetest, dearest----”

”Oh, don't! don't!” She struggled in the clasp. ”Oh, I can't--I----” and he felt her slight body tremble, so he loosed it.

”Forgive me. I wanted you to know so no one can take you from me. I want to see you often. Oh, love, good-night, good-night!”

He pressed a rapturous kiss upon her hand and was gone. She slipped through to the dining-room and took a gla.s.s of water.

”You look tired to death, little country girl,” said Uncle Giles, and he kissed her on the forehead.

CHAPTER XV

LOVERS AND LOVERS

”Take me home with you, Cousin Chilian,” she pleaded, when he came in the next day.

”But I thought”--he studied her in surprise.

”I want to go home,” she interrupted, and her under lip had a quiver in it that would have disarmed almost any one, persuaded as well.

”Why, yes. Didn't you enjoy the party?” He felt suddenly at loss, he was not used to translating moods with all his knowledge.

”Oh, it was delightful! And some such pretty girls. There were new dances. And Mrs. Stevens _is_ charming. Anthony came over a little while.”

In spite of inducements held out, she would go. Cousin Giles was almost cross about it.

”I'm so glad to get back,” she said to Rachel. ”One feels so safe here.”

”Was there any danger?” laughed the elder.

Cynthia's face was scarlet. It wasn't danger exactly, but she felt better under Cousin Chilian's wing. And she was her bright gay self all the evening.

But how to get her story told? For if Mr. Saltonstall came and asked for her company, as they termed it then, and not being warned, he should consent----

They sat by the study fire. It had turned out cold and cloudy, with indications of snow. He had a lamp near him on the small table, and read and thought, as his glance wandered dreamily over the leaping flas.h.i.+ng blue and yellow flames. If it stormed for one or two days, she could not have come home.

She rose presently and came and stood by him, laid her hand lightly on his shoulder. She was a young lady now, and it was hardly proper to draw her down on his knee.

”Cousin Chilian;” hesitatingly.

”Well, dear?” in an inquiring tone.