"The most beautiful woman my eyes ever rested on," he would have said, but she raised her head, and something in the expression of her face checked him.
No marble ever was whiter or more cold, as she said:
"Yes, all has changed, and none more so than your former favorite, Celeste."
"Ah! little Celeste—how is she? I had forgotten to ask for her. I trust she is well?"
"I presume so. I know nothing to the contrary."
"I remember her a lovely child; I suppose she is an equally lovely girl?" said Louis, carelessly.
A scorching, scathing glance shot from the lightning eyes of Minnette; but, without answering him, she turned away, and walked steadily into the house.
"Strange, incomprehensible girl!" said Louis, looking in surprise after her. "How that flashing glance reminds me of the Minnette of other days! Have I said anything to offend her, I wonder? Heigho! what a radiant creature she is, to be sure! What would not some of the gay court beauties I know give for that superb form and glorious face! Well, I must not fall in love with her, however, if I can help it. Here comes that airy little mountain sprite, Gipsy! and now for my lady mother!"
"Come, Louis, come!" she cried, darting in again.
Louis followed her as she led the way to his mother's chamber. Then opening the door, she ushered him in, and closing it after her, immediately retreated.