Volume Ii Part 74 (2/2)
”Why, Mr. Carleton,” exclaimed Mr. Rossitur, in surprise, ”I was not aware that this young gentleman had the honour of your acquaintance.”
”But I have,” said Rolf.
”In London, Sir, I had that pleasure,” said Mr. Carleton.
”I think it was _I_ had the pleasure,” said Rolf, pounding one hand upon Mr. Carleton's knee.
”Where is your mother?”
”She wouldn't come down,” said Rolf; ”but I guess she will when she knows who is here” ?
And he was darting away to tell her, when Mr. Carleton, within whose arms he stood, quietly restrained him, and told him he was going away presently, but would come again and see his mother another time.
”Are you going back to England, Sir?”
”By and by.”
”But you will come here again first?”
”Yes, if Mr. Rossitur will let me.”
”Mr. Carleton knows he commands his own welcome,” said that gentleman, somewhat stately. ”Go and tell your aunt Fleda that tea is ready, Rolf.”
”She knows,” said Rolf. ”She was making an omelette ? I guess it was for this gentleman.”
Whose name he was not clear of yet. Mr. Rossitur looked vexed, but Hugh laughed, and asked if his aunt gave him leave to tell that. Rolf entered forthwith into discussion on this subject, while Mr. Carleton, who had not seemed to hear it, engaged Mr.
Rossitur busily in another, till the omelette and Fleda came in. Rolf's mind, however, was ill at ease.
”Aunt Fleda,” said he, as soon as she had fairly taken her place at the head of the table, ”would you mind my telling that you made the omelette for this gentleman?”
Fleda cast a confused glance, first at the person in question and then round the table; but Mr. Carleton, without looking at her, answered instantly ?
”Don't you understand, Rolf, that the same kindness which will do a favour for a friend, will keep him in ignorance of it?”
Rolf pondered a moment, and then burst forth ?
”Why, Sir, wouldn't you like it as well for knowing she made it?”
It was hardly in human gravity to stand this. Fleda herself laughed, but Mr. Carleton, as unmoved as possible, answered him, ”Certainly not,” and Rolf was nonplussed.
The supper was over. Hugh had left the room, and Mr. Rossitur had before that gone out to give directions about Mr.
Carleton's horses. He and Fleda were left alone.
”I have something against you, fairy,” said he, lightly, taking her hand, and putting it to his lips. ”You shall not again do me such honour as you have done me to-day ? I did not deserve it, Elfie.”
The last words were spoken half reproachfully. Fleda stood a moment motionless, and then by some curious revulsion of feeling, put both her hands to her face and burst into tears.
She struggled against them, and spoke almost immediately ?
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