Andrew, who had been away all the morning, and who therefore had not heard of the important event which had happened in his absence, looked up with a strange sinking at the heart. To lose Victoria now meant certain failure. He was gaining more influence over her every day, and it would be only a question of time, when he could keep her under his mesmeric power for hours if he chose, and then he would be able to carry out the plan he had formed. He must in some way thwart Lady Vale, and prevent her from leaving America for some time at least.
“You must not think of leaving us for months yet,” he said. “We are only just getting acquainted. We had counted upon having you with us all winter, had we not, mother?”
“Yes, indeed,” said Mary, casting an appealing glance at Victoria. “How can we part with Victoria, who has grown to be one of us?” She divined Lady Vale’s intentions regarding her daughter, and felt sad accordingly.
Roger said nothing, but his face which had seemed so radiant a few moments ago, looked gray and troubled. Victoria was watching her lover. She saw the shadows fall upon his face, and her own clouded while she glanced at her mother with flashing eyes. “Mamma may go, if she chooses, but I stay here.”
“Open war is declared,” exclaimed Andrew, laughing, who thought Victoria only in fun.
“Yes, it is open war,” replied Victoria, rising and moving to Roger’s side. “Mamma knew my plans before luncheon. She thinks to frustrate them by taking me back to England, and so separate me from Roger, but I have promised him never to leave him, and I shall keep my word.”
Roger turned his head, and kissed his sweetheart’s hand, which was lying on his shoulder.
Andrew started to his feet. “Never leave him,” he repeated. “Do you mean to say that you are going to marry my brother?”
“Why not,” replied Victoria, quickly. “Is there any law to prevent it?”
Andrew saw that his violent emotion was drawing attention toward himself, so with an effort he mastered his passion and became seated, saying with a laugh which sounded forced: “Well, this is the greatest surprise I ever experienced. It nearly took my breath away. You two have been uncommonly sly to spring so unexpected a pleasure upon the rest of us poor mortals. It is not too late for congratulations, I hope?”