‘Isn’t Laura looking lovely?’ Eveleen went on. ‘I am sure she is the beauty of the night!’ She was pleased to see Captain Morville’s attention gained. ‘She is even better dressed than at our ball—those Venetian pins suit the form of her head so well. Her beauty is better than almost any one’s, because she has so much countenance.’
‘True,’ said Philip.
‘How proud Maurice looks of having her on his arm. Does not he? Poor Maurice! he is desperately in love with her!’
‘As is shown by his pining melancholy.’
Eveleen laughed with her clear hearty laugh. ‘I see you know what we mean by being desperately in love! No,’ she added more gravely, ‘I am very glad it is only that kind of desperation. One could not think of Maurice and Laura together. He does not know the best part of Laura.’
Eveleen was highly flattered by Captain Morville conducting her a second time round the room, instead of at once restoring her to her aunt.
He secured Laura next, and leading her away from her own party, said, ‘Laura, have you been overdoing it?’
‘It is not that,’ said Laura, wishing she could keep from blushing.
‘It is the only motive that could excuse his extraordinary behaviour.’
‘Surely you know he says that he is growing unsettled. It is part of his rule of self discipline.’