Part 36 (1/2)

”I don't see why I should not call,” he said to himself. ”There's no harm in that. Wish I had found some curious sea-anemone; I could go and ask the old man what it was--and have her sweet clear eyes reading me through and through. I should feel that I had lowered myself in her sight.”

”No,” he said, emphatically; ”I'll be straightforward and manly over it if I can.”

”Hang that old woman! She doesn't like me. There's a peculiarly malicious look in her eyes whenever we meet. Sneering fas.h.i.+on, something like her old brother, only he seems honest and she does not.

I'd give something to know whether Louise cares for that French fellow.

If she doesn't, why should she be condemned to a life of misery? Could I make her any happier?”

”I'll go home now.”

”No, I--I will not; I'll call.”

These questions had been scattered over Duncan Leslie's walk, and the making up of his mind displayed in the last words was three-quarters of an hour after the first.

”I'm no better than a weak boy,” he said, as he strode along manfully now. ”I make mountains of molehills. What can be more natural and neighbourly than for me to drop in, as I am going to do, for a chat with old Vine?”

There was still that peculiar feeling of consciousness, though, to trouble him, as he knocked, and was admitted by Liza, whose eyelids were nearly as red as the ribbon she had bought.

The next minute he was in the pleasant homely drawing-room, feeling a glow of love and pride, and ready to do battle with any de Ligny in France for the possession of the prize whose soft warm hand rested for a few moments in his.

”Ah, Miss Van Heldre,” he said, as he shook hands with her in turn, and his face lit up and a feeling of satisfaction thrilled him, for there was something in matter-of-fact Madelaine that gave him confidence.

Aunt Marguerite's eyes twinkled with satisfaction, as she saw the cordial greeting, and built up a future of her own materials.

”Miss Marguerite,” said the young man ceremoniously, as he touched the extended hand, manipulated so that he should only grasp the tips; and, as he saluted, Leslie could not help thinking philosophically upon the different sensations following the touch of a hand.

A growing chill was coming over the visit, and Leslie was beginning to feel as awkward as a st.u.r.dy well-grown young tree might, if suddenly transplanted from a warm corner to a situation facing an iceberg, when the old naturalist handed a chair for his visitor.

”Glad to see you, Leslie,” he said; ”sit down.”

”You will take some tea, Mr Leslie?”

Hah! The moment before the young man had felt ready to beat an ignominious retreat, but as soon as the voice of Louise Vine rang in his ears with that simple homely question, he looked up manfully, declared that he would take some tea, and in spite of himself glanced at Aunt Marguerite's tightening lips, his eyes seeming to say, ”Now, then, march out a brigade of de Lignys if you like.”

”And sugar, Mr Leslie?”

”And sugar,” he said, for he was ready to accept any sweets she would give.

Then he took the cup of tea, looked in the eyes that met his very frankly and pleasantly, and then his own rested upon a quaint-looking cornelian locket, which was evidently French.

There was nothing to an ordinary looker-on in that piece of jewellery, but somehow it troubled Duncan Leslie; and as he turned to speak to Aunt Marguerite, he felt that she had read his thoughts, and her lips had relaxed into a smile.

”Well, George, if you do not mind Mr Leslie hearing, I do not,” said Aunt Marguerite. ”I must reiterate that the poor boy is growing every day more despondent and unhappy.”

”Nonsense, Margaret!”

”Ah, you may say nonsense, my good brother, but I understand his nature better that you. Yes, my dear,” she continued, ”such a trade as that carried on by Mr Van Heldre is not a suitable avocation for your son.”

”Hah!” sighed Vine.

”Now, you are a tradesman, Mr Leslie--” continued Aunt Marguerite.