She looked at him thoughtfully, and withdrew her hand.
"That means that you do not care to come,"—she said, simply—"I am so sorry you do not like me!"
The blood rushed up to his brows.
"Miss Vancourt!" he stammered—"Pray—pray do not think—-"
But here she turned aside to receive Adderley's farewells and thanks for the charming afternoon he had spent in her company. After this, and when Julian had made his exit, accompanied by Cicely who wanted him to give her a written copy of certain verses he had composed, Maryllia again spoke:
"Well, at any rate, I shall send you an invitation to one of my parties, whether you come or not, Mr. Walden;" she said, playfully— "Otherwise, I shall feel I have not done my social duty to the minister of the parish! It will be for some evening during the next three weeks. I hope you will be able to accept it. If not—-"
A sudden resolve inspired John's hesitating soul. Taking the hand she offered, he raised it lightly to his lips with all the gallantry of an old-world courtier rather than a modern-time parson.
"If you wish me to accept it, it shall be accepted!"—he said, and his voice shook a little—"Forgive me if in any way. I have seemed to you discourteous, Miss Vancourt!—I am so much of a solitary, that 'society' has rather an intimidating effect upon me,—but you must never"—here he looked at her full and bravely—"You must never say again or think that I do not like you! I DO like you!"
Her eyes met his with pure and candid earnestness.
"That is kind of you,"—she said—"And I am glad! Good-bye!"