‘It is no paradox. The actual merits are better seen by an unprejudiced stranger than by an old friend who lends them graces of his own devising.’
Charles laughed: Guy pushed back his chair, and went to look out at the window. Perhaps Philip enjoyed thus chafing his temper; for after all he had said to Laura, it was satisfactory to see his opinion justified, so that he might not feel himself unfair. It relieved his uneasiness lest his understanding with Laura should be observed. It had been in great peril that evening, for as the girls went up to bed, Eveleen gaily said, ‘Why, Laura, have you quarrelled with Captain Morville?’
‘How can you say such things, Eva? Good night.’ And Laura escaped into her own room.
‘What’s the meaning of it, Amy?’ pursued Eveleen.
‘Only a stranger makes us more formal,’ said Amy.
‘What an innocent you are! It is of no use to talk to you!’ said Eveleen, running away.
‘No; but Eva,’ said Amy, pursuing her, ‘don’t go off with a wrong fancy. Charles has teased Laura so much about Philip, that of course it makes her shy of him before strangers; and it would never have done to laugh about their choosing the same things when Mr. Thorndale was there.’
‘I must be satisfied, I suppose. I know that is what you think, for you could not say any other.’
‘But what do you think?’ said Amy, puzzled.
‘I won’t tell you, little innocence—it would only shock you.’