Here her father called her from the door. The character of the entertainment was becoming such that he was anxious to get away. As they left the conservatory, she said in a low, hasty tone, "I am not so unselfish as you think; for it would make me very unhappy if you did not become what you are capable of being."
"Since you care personally what becomes of me, you have given me a double incentive," he answered eagerly, as they passed out.
As they disappeared, Lottie Marsden stepped out from behind a large lemon-tree, with an expression upon her face quite as acid as the unripe fruit that had helped to conceal her. How she came to witness the scene described requires some explanation. As they left the supper-room, she shook De Forrest off for a time, and when Miss Martell parted from Hemstead, she joined him. After the attention he had received, she was not in as patronizing a mood as before.
"Are you willing to take a short promenade with such a guy as I am, Mr. Hemstead?" she asked.
"Yes, if you are willing to link yourself with so much awkwardness."
"I wish I had your grace of mind, Mr. Hemstead."
"You have no occasion to find fault with nature's gifts to you."
"I fear you think I should find much fault with myself, if not with nature. But I can hardly find fault with you after your kindly tact in the supper-room. I wanted to join your breezy, sprightly chat, and you gave me a chance so nicely."
"Because I wished you to join it. It was not a deed of charity, and you well repaid me. Indeed, I saw so much thought in your face, that I wanted more of the same kind."
"I think you see more than we give you credit for," she Said, looking doubtfully at him.