She, too, had watched anxiously for Rosamond, whom she meant to secure before any mischief could be done, and she saw her now at once in the distance, and saw the doctor was looking in that direction, too, and knew, before she asked him, of what he was thinking. But a slight frown darkened her face at his frank reply:
“I am thinking how very pretty and attractive Miss Hastings is. You must manage to introduce me as soon as possible, or I shall introduce myself.”
Just then Rossie turned her face fully toward her, and their eyes met in recognition. There was a violent start on Rossie’s part, and the blood flamed into her cheeks for an instant and then left them ashy pale, as she saw the woman for whom she could not have much respect smiling so brightly upon her, and advancing to meet her as quickly and gladly as if they were the greatest friends.
“Oh, Miss Hastings!” she said, in her most flute-like tones, “this is a surprise. I am so glad to see you. When did you come?”
Rossie explained when she had come and with whom, and after a few brief remarks on the town and the climate, made as if she would return to Mrs. Andrews; but now was Josephine’s opportunity or never, and still holding Rossie’s hand, which she had not relinquished, she said:
“Come with me a moment, please; there are so many things I want to say. Suppose we take a little turn on the piazza,” and leading Rossie around the corner of the hotel to a seat where no one was sitting, she plunged at once into the subject uppermost in her mind.
“Miss Hastings,” she said, “you alone of all the people here know just how I am living with Everard, or, rather, not living with him. It was not necessary for me to explain everything, and for aught they know to the contrary, I have the most devoted of husbands, who may join me any day. You, of course, can undeceive them if you like, but——”
“Mrs. Forrest,” Rossie exclaimed, “I have no wish to injure you. If I am asked straightforward questions I must tell the truth; otherwise I have nothing to say of your life at home, or of anything in the past pertaining to you and Everard.”
“Thank you so much. I knew I could trust you,” Josephine said, feeling immensely relieved. “And now come, let me present you to a friend whom I used to know in Holburton, and met afterward in Dresden. He is here for his health, and is so kind to Aggie and me. You must come to my room and see Agnes. She never stops a moment here after she has had her meals.”
She talked rapidly and excitedly, and laid her hand on Rossie’s arm, as if to lead her to Dr. Matthewson, who forestalled the intention by suddenly appearing before them. He was more impatient to speak to Rosamond than Josephine was to have him, and joined them for that very purpose. Never in his life had he seemed more at his ease or appeared to better advantage, and there was something very winning and gracious in his manner as he bowed to Miss Hastings, and hoped she found herself well in the delicious Florida air.