"'Why, Veronica,' said your mother, 'you astonish Mr. Somers.'
"'You are not astonished,' she said with vehemence, 'you are embarrassed.'
"'Upon my soul I am,' I replied, feeling at ease as soon as I had said so.
"'Tell me, what has Cassandra been taught? Is Rosville suited to her?
We are not.'
"'Veronica!' said your mother again.
"'Mother," and she shook the grasses, and made a little snow fall round her; 'what shall I say then? I am sure he knows Cassandra. What did you come here for?' turning to me again.
"'To see you,' I answered foolishly.
"'And has Cassandra spoken of me?' Her pale face grew paler, and an indescribable expression passed over it. 'I do not often speak of her.'
"'She does not of you,' I was obliged to answer. And then I said I must go. But your mother made me dine with them. When I came away Veronica offered me her hand, but she sent no message to you. She has never been out of my mind a moment since."
"You remember the particulars of the interview very well."