"I took William for you, Cornelius, and came out to meet you. He is Miss Murray's nephew, you know, and I had not seen him for months. Did you come for me from home? I am sorry—very sorry, Cornelius."
I sought his look, but vainly; it was fastened on William, who had risen, and now stood before us. Cornelius eyed him from head to foot, with a keen and scrutinising gaze, which the young man returned. Neither spoke— there was an evident want of cordiality in the silent glances they exchanged. I began to feel uncomfortable; my sense of uneasiness increased when Cornelius turned towards me, and said coldly:
"I am sorry to hurry you away, Daisy, but Kate is very anxious."
And without taking the least notice of William, or seeming to think that I could have another word to say to him, he made me turn homewards. I felt so disconcerted at his displeasure, that I neither opened my lips, nor attempted to resist; but, when we had walked on together for a few minute, I gathered courage to say:
"I must go back to bid him good evening, Cornelius."
I disengaged my arm from his, and lightly ran back to the spot where we had left William, and where he still stood looking after us with folded arms.
"Good night, William," I said, holding out my hand.
He did not take it, but replied in a tone overflowing with reproach:
"Why did you deceive me, Daisy?"
"Deceive you, William!"