I had not even noticed it.
Then my pretty cousin poutingly tossed back her curly hair, as if she were annoyed that I too was beginning to play a part of indifference towards her.
At last the street-door bell rang. From the footsteps I knew my uncle had come. They were so dignified.
Soon the butler entered and said I could speak with his lordship, if I so desired.
Trembling all over, I took my hat, and wished the ladies good-night.
"Are you not coming back, to hear the end of the Cavatina;" inquired Melanie.
"I cannot," I answered, and left them there.
My uncle's study was on the farther side of the hall; the butler lighted my way with a lamp, then he put it down on a chest, that I might find my way back.
"Well, my child, what do you want?" inquired my uncle, in that gay, playful tone, which we are wont to use in speaking to children to express that we are quite indifferent as to their affairs.
I answered languidly, as if some gravestone were weighing upon my breast,