She had not seen, until this speech, that he was present. She bestowed one look upon him, and the magnetic charm of his smile equallized her nerves and thoughts. Mr. Dana would have left the room, but Morton stayed him. In succinct and manly terms, he thanked him for the expression of an esteem, it should be the study of his life to merit. "I am aware, sir, that it is arrant boldness to ask more from your kindness; but you engaged to intercede for me in another suit." Ida looked up, hurriedly. The gentlemen smiled; and Mr. Lacy whispered a sentence in her ear.
"Oh no! no!" she ejaculated, "too soon!"
"Why 'too soon?'" It was John Dana, who drew her away from her lover, and pushed back the shadowing curls from her forehead. "Think of Mr. Lacy and myself as old friends, and speak out the language of your own warm heart. Why 'too soon,' Ida? Don't you know him well, enough?"
Another glance was the signal for another smile.
"Will you ever know him better?" asked Mr. Lacy.
"I think not," she replied.
"You don't like him well enough, then?" pursued Mr. Dana. The curls drooped over her face, and she was mute.
"Perhaps you do not like the idea of resigning your freedom the very day you gain it?"
"No, Mr. Dana! you know that is not it."