'Count your marcies.'"
Elsie blushed so violently, and Mr. Stanhope looked so distressed
that James finished his supper in puzzled silence, thinking,
however, "What has come over the little witch? For a wonder, she
seems to have met a man that she is afraid of: but the joke is, he
seems even more afraid of her."
In the social parlor some of the stiffness wore off; but Elsie and
Mr. Stanhope kept on opposite sides of the room and had very
little to say to each other. Motherly Mrs. Alford drew the young
man out sufficiently, however, to become deeply interested in him.
By the next morning time for thought had led him to feel that he
must trespass on their hospitality no longer. Moreover, he plainly
recognized that his presence was an oppression and restraint upon
Elsie; and he was very sorry that he had stayed at all. But when
he made known his purpose the family would not listen to it.
"I should feel dreadfully hurt if you left us now," said Mrs.
Alford, so decidedly that he was in a dilemma, and stole a timid
look toward Elsie, who at once guessed his motive in going away.
Pages:
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409