Lord Linden, trying to conceal the shock he had received, and gazing upon her with admiration, exclaimed, in an impassioned tone,—
"Ever since I first met you, when you were returning from"—
"From New York," broke in Madeleine, "where I went to choose silks and velvets and other feminine paraphernalia for the use of my customers."
Lord Linden was again discomfited. After a moment he went on,—
"I have sought you everywhere. I was certain I should find you in the first drawing-rooms in Washington."
"You find me in a salon which a great many ladies visit before they enter those drawing-rooms."
"It is incredible!"
"To me it seems very comprehensible," answered Madeleine stoically.
He looked into her lovely countenance and continued, with increasing fervor,—
"I have never ceased to think of you. No other woman has had power to efface your image. Having known you, without ever suspecting who and what you are"—