Clara gathered up her embroidery, and prepared to leave the sheltered seat in which this conversation had been held. She certainly was not acting now, for Closs saw that her eyes were full of tears.
"Clara," he said, holding out both hands; "Clara, forgive me."
She hesitated a minute, then set down her basket, and crept close to his side, wiping the tears with one hand, while he clasped the other. Then she snatched her hand away, and held it behind her.
"No—I won't forgive you."
"Not if I persuade Lady Hope to take you up to London for this appearance?"
"Ah, then, perhaps."
"And go with you myself?"
"That will be splendid."
"That Olympia is a magnificent creature. I took supper with her once in New York."
"You, Mr. Closs! You took supper with her?"