An instant Sybil paused in involuntary admiration, and then recovered herself and greeted the lady with affectionate warmth.
“It is nearly eight o’clock, dear, and breakfast is quite ready. Will you come now?” inquired Sybil, when these salutations were passed.
Rosa assented with a sweet smile, and Sybil led the way into her own sitting-room.
Mr. Berners had come in during his wife’s short absence, and he now stood before the fire with the morning paper in his hand. He put it down on the table, and came forward to meet his wife, and to welcome her guest.
“Mrs. Blondelle, Mr. Berners,” said Sybil, introducing the parties to each other by the simplest formula.
And while they were bowing together, Sybil was watching mischievously to see what effect the dazzling beauty of Rosa Blondelle would have upon Lyon Berners.
She saw it!
After bowing, they lifted their heads and looked at each other—he, at first, with the courtesy of a host—but she with a radiant and enchanting smile.
Sybil was prepared to see Lyon’s surprise at the first view of this peerless creature; but she was by no means prepared to witness the involuntary gaze of intense and breathless admiration and wonder that he fixed for a moment on her beautiful face. That gaze said as eloquently as words could have spoken:
“This is the most wondrous, perfect creature that the world ever saw! This is the master-piece of nature.”