"Edna! how I have longed to see you once more!"
Gordon's hand seized hers, and his handsome face was eloquent with feelings which he felt no inclination to conceal.
"The sight of your countenance is an unexpected pleasure in New York.
Mr. Leigh, when did you arrive?"
"This afternoon. Mr. Hammond gave me your address, and I called to see you, but was told that you were here."
"How are they all at home?"
"Do you mean at Le Bocage or the Parsonage?"
"I mean how are all my friends?"
"Mrs. Murray is very well, Miss Estelle, ditto. Mr. Hammond has been sick, but was better and able to preach before I left. I brought a letter for you from him, but unfortunately left it in the pocket of my travelling coat. Edna, you have changed very much since I saw you last."
"In what respect, Mr. Leigh?"
The crash of the orchestra filled the house, and people turned once more to the stage. Standing with his arms folded, Mr. Manning saw the earnest look on Gordon's face as, with his arm resting on the back of Edna's chair, he talked in a low, eager tone; and a pitying smile partly curved the editor's granite mouth as he noticed the expression of pain on the girl's face, and heard her say coldly: