The ladies were all seated, and the gentlemen were standing round, and Selina was not aware of her proximity to Mr. Robertson till she overheard him say to young Wynslade—"A most extraordinary circumstance has happened to me this evening."
"What is it?" cried Wynslade.
"I have received a declaration."
"A declaration! Of what?"
"I have indeed," pursued Robertson, "a declaration of love. To be sure, I have been somewhat prepared for it. When a lady blushes, and shows evident signs of confusion, whenever she meets a gentleman, there is good reason to believe that her heart is really touched. Is there not?"
"I suppose so," said Wynslade, smiling.
"You conclude then that the lady must love him for himself, and not for his property?" inquired Robertson.
"Ladies who are influenced only by mercenary considerations," replied Wynslade, "seldom feel much embarrassment in the presence of any gentleman."
"There is no forcing a blush—is there?" asked Robertson.
"I should think not," answered Wynslade, wondering to what all this would tend.