Caroline had seated herself near the window, in order that she might display, with greater advantage, a portfolio of her own drawings, to Hargrave. They were very neatly executed, and the copy was as like the original as might be, yet Mabel could scarcely think them worth the high encomiums which he bestowed upon them, while Caroline blushed and evaded his compliments, though evidently gratified all the while, and willing to receive as many more as he chose to cater for her.
"I wish," thought Mabel, "that they would not laugh quite so loud, my spirits are out of tune to-night."
Just then she heard Caroline whisper something to Hargrave, as she leant forward, over the little table which parted them, so far, that a curl of her silken hair touched his cheek. Her sensitive ear caught the word, "governess," slightingly spoken, while Hargrave only replied by a shrug, and a slight elevation of his eyebrows; and when Caroline whispered something, with a still more provoking expression, he actually laughed aloud.
Mabel was conscious that she was turning giddy, and she rose with the intention of leaving the room, when the door opened, and Mr. Morley beckoned her to come to him.
"Have you thought it over," he said, when she came to him, in the passage.
"Oh, yes," she replied eagerly; "and I have written to several friends."
"Right, never depend on any but yourself. As it happens, however, I have heard of something. Put on your bonnet, and come out with me."
Without remaining to ask any questions, she did as he desired, and was soon walking by his side, along the lighted streets.
"Not very pleasant, there, eh?" he enquired, elevating his eyebrows, to designate the house they had left.
"Not very," she answered, in a low, half choked voice, and they said nothing more till they reached the White Lion Hotel. Then, when they heard the hum of its business within, Mr. Morley suddenly stopped, and enquired if she were frightened.