“Have you been long in London?” Virgie asked, wondering what caused the cloud upon his brow.
“Can you ask that?” he returned, with a look that made her own eyes droop. “I arrived this evening with my guardian, and, finding cards for Lady Huntington’s reception, dropped in to pay my regards to the young ladies; but I could not be long in London without availing myself of the privilege that I craved when we parted. But,” glancing around and realizing that their meeting was attracting more attention than was agreeable, “will you let me take you out for an ice? It is very warm here.”
Virgie gladly availed herself of this invitation, for his sudden coming had agitated her, and she did not feel quite at her ease, while she, too, saw that her meeting with Rupert had excited considerable surprise in the group around her.
The young man led her to a small reception-room, found her a comfortable chair, and then remarked: “Now, if you will excuse me for a moment, I will get an ice for you.”
“Please do not,” Virgie interrupted, laying her hand lightly on his arm to detain him; “I do not care for it. I was only glad of an excuse to get away from the crowd for a few minutes’ quiet chat with you——”
She stopped suddenly and colored with confusion at her confession; but Rupert, with a radiant glow on his face, drew a chair and sat down beside her.
“Thank you,” he said; “and now tell me how have you enjoyed London during the last ten days.”
“I am afraid my enjoyment of London has been rather doubtful,” Virgie returned, laughing, “since I have seen scarcely anything of it for the fog and rain; but I have met a good many people whom I consider simply delightful.”
“And, judging from the court you were holding when I came in to-night, those very people would return the compliment most heartily,” said Rupert, smiling.
“Did your guardian accompany you this evening?” Virgie asked, by way of changing the subject.