Something like a smile of contempt wreathed the beautiful lips.
"Nervous, Lady Linleigh! not one whit," she replied. "Now, if I were about being presented to a handsome young monarch, who wanted a queen to reign by his side, I might feel nervous."
"When I was presented," said Lady Linleigh, "I did feel very nervous. I thought of it for days and weeks beforehand."
"You and I, dear Lady Linleigh, differ considerably," said Doris. "I often think myself it is strange, but I am really wanting in that respect—I have no organ of reverence; I do not believe that I stand in awe of any human being."
"It is strange; and I am not sure that such total independence is altogether good for you, my dear. I should like you to bear more on others, less on yourself."
"I am as I was made," laughed the girl; then she blushed slightly, for the earl stood at the door of her dressing-room, looking at her with such admiration in his eyes as they had seldom expressed before. She could not help feeling embarrassed by it. Then she went up to him, saying:
"Now, papa, imagine yourself the queen; let me make you my grand presentation courtesy."
He never forgot her as she stood there, the light flaming in her jewels and falling on the golden hair, the face softened into unusual beauty by the slight flush.
"My darling," said Lord Linleigh, us he laid his hand on her head, "my darling, I am proud of you."
The words were few, but they expressed a whole volume.