She turned very red, and for an instant, I think, half resolved to acknowledge the deception she was practising. But Richard Delafield was one who despised a falsehood, and she dared not confess to him her error, so she turned away, saying with a feigned indifference which illy accorded with the expression of her face, “Surely, I forgot all about it.”
Alone in her room, however, she shed tears of anger and mortification as she saw us ride off together, and thought of the happiness from which she was debarred by a fancied blister, which had never come in contact with her flesh. But whether it drew upon her side or the fire-board, it in a measure wrought the desired cure, for seldom again did Ada attempt to deceive her guardian. Would it not be well if more of our modern young ladies should be blistered for the same disease that afflicted Ada Montrose.
It was nearly dark when we returned, and Mrs. Lansing and Ada were in their accustomed places upon the piazza, the latter holding an open letter which she had that afternoon received from her cousin Mrs. Johnson, who was spending some time in Mobile, and who wished Ada to join her there, before going on to New Orleans. They were evidently discussing the matter, and when we came up, Ada handed the letter to Mr. Delafield, bidding him read it and tell her what to do. Hastily running it over, he said, “Go, by all means: you have never seen Mobile, and it will be a good opportunity.”
“But I have been thinking of giving up my visit to New Orleans,” she continued in a kind of beseeching tone; “Mrs. Lansing had rather I’d remain with her this winter.”
It was not so dark as to prevent me from seeing the expression of Mr. Delafield’s face, and I fancied the proposition did not altogether please him. She evidently thought so too, for rather pettishly she added, “but if you wish to be rid of me, of course I’ll go.”
“Ada! How foolish!” he said, sternly. “I’ve often heard you express a desire to spend a winter in New Orleans, and now that an opportunity is presented, I think you had better accept it. I shall be there a part of the time, perhaps all,” he added; and then I turned away lest my face should betray what was passing within.
“And will you go with me to Mobile?” Ada asked of him, as a child would ask her father.
“Certainly,” he answered; “I do not propose letting you go alone. But how is that side? I’d almost forgotten to ask.”
“It has pained me a good deal,” said she, “but Martha dressed it nicely this afternoon, and it feels much better. I’m so glad you made me apply it, now the worst is over, for I believe it will do me good!”