“What a wretch it is,” said Lady Catherine, covering her face with a handkerchief.
“What a beautiful little flower,” said Lady Jane, lifting up the bell of a “lobelia splendens.”
“You know, of course,” said I, “what they call that flower in France—L’amour tendre.”
“Indeed!”
“True, I assure you; may I present you with this sprig of it,” cutting off a small twig, and presenting it at the same instant unseen by the others.
She hesitated for an instant, and then extending her fair and taper hand took it. I dared not look at her as she did so, but a proud swelling triumph at my heart nearly choked me.
“Now Collins,” said Lady Callonby, “I cannot find the Alpen tree I brought home from the Grundenwald.”
Collins hurried forward to her ladyship’s side.
Lady Catherine was also called to assist in the search.
I was alone with Lady Jane.