His countenance expressed extreme agitation, as, rising, he said,—
"You have made me very unhappy, Miss Roscom. I will remain silent for the present; but go not away from here, as that would destroy my only hope."
When I entered the house, I heard the excited voices of Mrs. Leighton, Laura, and Georgania in the parlor. I heard Mrs. Leighton say, as I passed the door of the parlor,—
"Are you sure, Georgania, that you understood aright?"
"Quite sure, mamma," she replied; "I plainly heard Willie ask her to become his wife; how I hate her; and the thought of Willie's loving her almost causes me to hate him."
"Hush!" exclaimed Mrs. Leighton; "I will investigate this matter myself."
I hurried up to my room. I knew there was trouble in store for me, and I felt strong to meet it; for my own conscience acquitted me of any wrong-doing. After some little time had passed, I heard the footsteps of Mrs. Leighton ascending the stairs; and a moment after she rapped at my door. I opened the door and invited her to enter, and be seated. She then seated herself, and sat for some moments in silence. Her countenance expressed both sorrow and anger, for, up to this time, I believed that Mrs. Leighton had loved me. I waited for Mrs. Leighton to open the subject, for I well knew what had brought her to my room, and I cared not how soon she
made known the object of her visit. At length she said,—
"It seems to me, Miss Roscom, that you have rendered a very base return for my kindness."
As she seemed waiting my reply, I said,—