“Some roses which a friend sent me,” Maria replied.
Then the boy colored and paled a little. He jumped at once to the conclusion that the friend was a man. “I suppose you are going to wear them,” he said pitifully.
“Yes, I am,” replied Maria.
The boy in his turn sat as far away as possible in his corner of the seat, and gazed ahead with a gloomy air.
When they reached the academy grounds he quite deserted Maria, who walked to the chapel with one of the other teachers, who entered at the same time. She was a young lady who lived in Westbridge. Maria caught the pale glimmer of an evening gown under her long, red cloak trimmed with white fur, and reflected that possibly she also had adorned herself especially for Wollaston's benefit, and again she felt that unworthy sense of pride and amusement. The girl herself echoed her thoughts, for she said soon after Maria had greeted her:
“I saw Mr. Lee and his mother starting.”
“Did you?” returned Maria.
“Don't you think he is very handsome?” asked the girl in a sentimental tone which irritated.
“No,” said Maria sharply, although she lied. “I don't think he is handsome at all. He looks intelligent and sensible, but as for handsome—”
“Oh, don't you think so?” cried the other. Then she caught herself short, for Wollaston Lee, with his mother on his arm, came up. They said good-evening, and all four passed in.