“If I like the paragon who is coming I will be as amiable as I can to him; if I dislike him, no power on earth can compel me to pretend that I do. I will be as civil as I can to him, do not expect any more from me, Mrs. Bryson. I have heard all that you have to say about this strange young man’s taking a fancy to me—which is the peg upon which riches in the future or beggary are hung—but I do not care a fillip of my finger for all that. I would never marry him unless I liked him, though a score of fortunes hung in the balance. If I ever marry, I want a lover like the heroes I have read of—a——”
Mrs. Bryson held up her hands in horror, exclaiming:
“Again, in after years, I behold the fruits of my folly. I allowed you to read what you would in master’s library, forgetting there were sentimental books there; and no young girl should read that kind. They have filled your foolish little head with all sorts of wild notions.”
“I shall know when I meet my hero, thanks to them,” declared Jess, with a toss of the curls and a defiant expression of her dark eyes, which had a habit of speaking volumes from their wonderful dark depth.
And looking at her, Mrs. Bryson knew from her indifferent manner that handsome Mr. Dinsmore had not made a favorable impression upon the girl—he was not her ideal—not her hero, evidently.
Mr. Dinsmore noticed that she made no attempt to entertain him or to be anything more than civilly indifferent.
He was annoyed, but he would not notice it. The elegantly appointed table, the excellent dinner, and the fine old wines made an impression upon him.
He set himself to work with a will which was new to him to overcome the girl’s prejudice. He was all animation, vivacity and high spirits, literally charming the old housekeeper with his flow of wit and collection of anecdotes.
Glancing now and then to the lovely girl opposite him, he saw that she was bored instead of being amused by them.
Her indifference piqued him, she aroused his interest, and that was more than any other girl had done—and he had traveled the wide world over, and had seen the beauties of every clime.