The mild blue eyes met her own for an instant with an equally angry glance, which, however, speedily died away by the time the nonchalant lips had framed an answer. “I believe I’ve been doing nothing unbecoming a gentleman.”
“Well, I only drop you a warning. I know what the views of young men usually are after they have spent a season in Paris.”
“You are wise in your generation,” he said with a slight touch of scorn. “When did you learn of the all-pervading blight of that modern Gomorrah?”
“Don’t try to be lofty with me,” pettishly exclaimed his sister. “You know as well as I do that no good can come of your admiring that girl.”
“And what possible harm can come of it? I have done nothing reprehensible, except to bestow a few quick glances upon a fair and youthful face. If she is not to be looked at, you must veil her like the prophet of Khorassan. As for your insinuations—well, if men go to the devil as regularly and deliberately as you seem to think, it is often because they are driven there by the cool assumptions of women like yourself. Now, my dear sister, let me disabuse your mind once for all of the fear that I have imbibed nothing but old-world vices in my continental trip. I always did respect virtuous womanhood and always shall. I shall not in the least harm your Hebe of the pots and pans, but to relieve your mind I’ll read the papers hereafter in the billiard-room.”
“Well,” said Mrs. Mason, after Herbert had somewhat ostentatiously departed, and she was left to ruminate on not over-sweet fancies, “I fancy I’ve forestalled any absurd ideas that might get into Elsie’s head, and although I am growing to like her better every day, just let me catch her making eyes at Herbert!”
“Elsie,” said Mrs. Mason the next morning, “we are all going out for the day, and you may have your time to yourself. I’ve given the maids a half-holiday and there’ll be nobody at home but James.”
Elsie stood for a moment irresolute. A swift desire had all but leaped to her lips—but dare she make it known?
“What is it, Elsie?” asked her mistress, evidently more graciously disposed than usual.
“I would like to ask a great favor. If there is to be no one in the house may I try the piano?”