"A most delicate compliment," Edith says, her scornful lip curling;
"one hardly knows which to admire most—the refined tact of Mr.
Stuart's flatteries, or the matronly dignity with which Mrs.
Featherbrain repels them!"
She turns her white shoulder deliberately upon them both, and welcomes
Sir Victor with her brightest smile.
"And for a rustic lassie, fresh from the fields and the daisies, it isn't so bad," is Mrs. Featherbrain's cool criticism.
"And I hope, despite Sir Victor's aristocratic attentions, Miss
Darrell, you'll not forget you're engaged to me for the redowa,"
Charley finds a chance to murmur, sotto voce, in her ear, as he
and his flirtee move on.
"You see the poor child's jealous, Charley," is the Featherbrain's last remark—"a victim to the green-eyed monster in his most virulent form. You really should be careful, my dear boy, how you use the charms a beneficent Providence has showered upon you. As you are strong, be merciful, and all that sort of thing."
The hours go on. Edith eats her water ice, and talks very animatedly to her baronet. Balls (he has had a surfeit of them, poor fellow!) mostly bore him—to-night he is really interested. The Americans are an interesting people, he thinks that must be why. Then the redowa begins, and Charley returns and carries her off. With him she is coldly silent, her eyes are averted, her words are few. He smiles to himself, and asks her this pleasant question:
"If she doesn't think Laura Featherbrain the prettiest and best-dressed lady in the room?"
"I think Mrs. Featherbrain is well-named," Miss Darrell answers, her dark eyes flashing. "I understand Mr. Featherbrain is lying sick at home. You introduced me to her—while I live in this house, Mr. Stuart, you will be kind enough to introduce me to no more—Mrs. Featherbrains!"
She brings out the obnoxious name with stinging scorn, and a look toward the lady bearing it sharper than daggers. There is a curious smile in Charley's eyes—his lips are grave.
"Are you angry, Edith? Do you know—of course you do, though—that it becomes you to be angry? My charming cousin, I never knew until to-night how really handsome you were."