He found himself anxiously watching every face, in search of the one he so much dreaded, and yet he well knew that the man was not likely to frequent fashionable assemblages like the present. He would be far more likely to be found in the smoking-room at a third-rate hotel, discussing the pros and cons of the various noted horses that were booked for the forthcoming races.
Yet one could never tell what might happen, for curiosity, pure and simple, might prompt him to look in upon that brilliant scene, and the bare possibility of being seen by him with his wife upon his arm gave him a chill that actually set his teeth chattering; for in such a case he knew it would be a very easy matter for him to make inquiries, learn the name he was now living under, where he was stopping, and the place of his residence.
But he managed to conceal his uneasiness from his wife and Phil, and was, as usual, punctiliously observant of all the demands of etiquette until it was proper for Mrs. Temple to release him and accept the attentions of others.
Then he heaved a long sigh of relief, and drifted into an obscure corner of the ballroom, whence he only emerged whenever it became absolutely necessary for him to do so.
Shortly after supper, however, Mrs. Temple, who realized that her husband was not himself, though she attributed his condition wholly to excessive weariness, considerately signified her readiness to retire, and they returned to their hotel.
The next morning found all, save Phil, on their way to Boston, and that same evening back in their own palatial home in Brookline.
But it was some weeks before William Temple could breathe with his accustomed freedom, and he still found himself watching faces in the street with a vague fear in his heart that the one which he dreaded most of any in the world would suddenly confront him with the malicious leer which it had worn when the man had whispered those few blighting words in his ear as they stood together in the station at Albany.
This nervousness wore away after a time, however, and he gradually resumed his usual pursuits with his accustomed vigor and enthusiasm.
Nothing of special interest occurred in connection with the various characters of our story during the three succeeding years, unless we mention the fact that Clifford never abated one iota of his zeal during this time, and won a scholarship every year, acquitting himself in such a manly fashion in every department, and bearing himself so genially toward every one, that he thereby gained the admiration and friendship of classmates and professors alike.
Each summer vacation found him at the same mountain-house, where he earned a snug little sum, which was a great help to him in pursuing his college course.