“Agreed,” cried Hamilton, entering his bedroom to make the necessary change in his dress.
Madame Berger was standing opposite a long glass, arranging her bonnet, Zedwitz turning over the leaves of some new book, and Hamilton issuing from his room, when Hildegarde again appeared, carrying another bowl of soup. She was so surprised at the appearance of the latter that she stopped in the middle of the room, and looked inquiringly from one to the other without speaking.
“Mr. Hamilton is going out to take a drive,” began Madame Berger, fearing Hildegarde might try to make him alter his intention.
“I am going with Zedwitz to skate in the English Gardens,” said Hamilton.
“Perhaps, Hildegarde, you will go with us; I can play chaperon on the occasion,” said Madame Berger.
Hildegarde did not vouchsafe an answer, but turning to Zedwitz, she said reproachfully: “This is not an hour to tempt an invalid to leave the house for the first time.”
“I assure you I have not tempted him,” replied Zedwitz; “I only mentioned having been skating to excuse my coming so late.”
“You surely will not think of going out this cold day,” she said, turning to Hamilton.
“The weather,” said Madame Berger, “is not likely to grow warmer at this time of the year, and I suppose he must leave the house some time or other.”
“In fact, I am no longer an invalid,” said Hamilton, “and the air, though cold, will do me good.”