“You have been long enough crossing the Channel to see me,” she said gaily, and shaking him warmly by the hand; “but you know I never harbour malice, and now—I am simply delighted to welcome you.”
“It was my mother that kept me in France after I got within crossing distance of the Channel; her health is really broken, I am afraid.”
They talked of Mrs. Montgomery for some time, while studying each other. Lee hoped that if he found her changed his surprise and approval would equal her own. He had transformed himself into what he would have become years since had his mother taken him to Europe while he was still a boy, and kept him there. His restless Americanism, his careless stoop, the nervous play of his features, even the lines about his eyes and mouth had gone. His erect and graceful carriage made him look almost as tall as Cecil Maundrell. He was a trifle stouter than when he had left California; and he was, in his new habit, so handsome and so distinguished, that Lee thrilled with the pride of the Montgomerys, and of the South before the War. His manner was scarcely fraternal, nor did it hint of the lover, discarded and tenacious; it was merely that of an amiable man-of-the-world pleased to renew an intimate friendship with a charming woman.
“Am I as much changed as you are?” asked Lee impulsively.
“Am I changed? You—I will tell you when I have been here a little longer. There is a difference—although that gown makes you look very natural. I cannot decide what it is. You are more beautiful than ever, if that could be possible.”
It was so long since Lee had received a vigorous compliment that she blushed with delight.
“I’m so glad you’ve come, Randolph,” she exclaimed. “Do talk to me about old times and California, even if you do hate the thought of it.”
“I hate the thought of it?”
“Well, you hate America.”
“Why will even the cleverest of women add so many little frills? I am immensely proud of the United States; I would have been born under no other flag. What I do hate is the modern spirit of the country as typified by New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. I love California, and am beginning to get a little homesick for her. I fancy it won’t be long before I shall suddenly pack my trunk and go back for a year.”