Volume Ii Part 56 (2/2)
”If I cannot make anybody understand my French, I will get somebody to condescend to my English,” said Fleda.
”Why, do you talk French?” was the instant question from both mouths.
”Unless she has forgotten herself strangely,” said Charlton.
”Talk! she will talk to anybody's satisfaction ? that happens to differ from her; and I think her tongue cares very little which language it wags in. There is no danger about Fleda's enjoying herself, where people are talking.”
Fleda laughed at him, and the Evelyns rather stared at them both.
”But we are all going to Mrs. Thorn's? you can't go alone?”
”I will make Charlton take me,” said Fleda; ”or rather I will take him, if he will let me. Will you, Charlton? will you take care of me to Mrs. Decatur's to-morrow night?”
”With the greatest pleasure, my dear coz; but I have another engagement in the course of the evening.”
”Oh, that is nothing,” said Fleda; ”if you will only go with me, that is all I care for. You needn't stay but ten minutes.
And you can call for me,” she added, turning to the Evelyns, ”as you come back from Mrs. Thorn's.”
To this no objection could be made, and the ensuing raillery Fleda bore with steadiness at least, if not with coolness; for Charlton heard it, and she was distressed.
She went to Mrs. Decatur's the next evening in greater elation of spirits than she had known since she left her uncle's; delighted to be missing from the party at Mrs. Thorn's, and hoping that Mr. Lewis would be satisfied with this very plain hint of her mind. A little pleased, too, to feel quite free, alone from too friendly eyes, and ears that had too lively a concern in her sayings and doings. She did not in the least care about going to Mrs. Decatur's; her joy was that she was not at the other place. But there never was elation so outwardly quiet. n.o.body would have suspected its existence.
The evening was near half over when Mr. Carleton came in.
Fleda had half hoped he would be there, and now immediately hoped she might have a chance to see him alone, and to thank him for his flowers; she had not been able to do that yet. He presently came up to speak to her, just as Charlton, who had found attraction enough to keep him so long, came to tell her he was going.
”You are looking better,” said the former, as gravely as ever, but with an eye of serious interest that made the words something.
”I am better,” said Fleda, gratefully.
”So much better that she is in a hurry to make herself worse,”
said her cousin. ”Mr. Carleton, you are a professor of medicine, I believe. I have an indistinct impression of your having once prescribed a ride on horseback for somebody; wouldn't you recommend some measure of prudence to her consideration?”
”In general,” Mr. Carleton answered, gravely; ”but in the present case I could not venture upon any special prescription, Captain Rossitur.”
”As, for instance, that she should remain in New York till she is fit to leave it. By the way, what brought you here again in such a hurry, Fleda? I haven't heard that yet.”
The question was rather sudden. Fleda was a little taken by surprise. Her face showed some pain and confusion both. Mr.
Carleton prevented her answer, she could not tell whether with design.
”What imprudence do you charge your cousin with, Captain Rossitur?”
”Why, she is in a great hurry to get back to Queechy, before she is able to go anywhere ? begging me to find an escort for her. It is lucky I can't. I didn't know I ever should be glad to be 'posted up' in this fas.h.i.+on, but I am.”
”You have not sought very far, Captain Rossitur,” said the voice of Thorn behind him. ”Here is one that will be very happy to attend Miss Fleda, whenever she pleases.”
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