Utterly overcome by his sudden and unwelcome presence, her trembling limbs refused to support her, and she sank weak and faint upon a sofa which stood behind her.
A look of intense love, followed by one of triumph, flashed over his dark, fine face, as his gaze fell upon the lovely girl before him.
Madame Alroyd, who had half risen as he entered, now sank into her seat again, exclaiming:
“Mr. Moulton! and here too!”
“Yes, madam,” he replied, with a smile and a graceful bow; “and I trust that I find you well this morning.” Then turning composedly to Dora, he added: “Miss Dora, allow me to congratulate you upon your fine looks, although I perceive that traveling has robbed you of some of your former bloom.”
He seated himself carelessly, though his restless eyes devoured every expression of her marble face.
She had by this time recovered her self-possession somewhat, and rising with proud hauteur, she said, in icy tones:
“To what circumstance am I to attribute this untimely visit, Mr. Moulton? It was my desire to have an interview with the chief of this place. I am now awaiting his presence.”
“The chief you will not see this morning, Miss Dupont; and you are to attribute this visit from me to your own fair self, and the love I bear you.”
She waved her hand with a gesture of scornful impatience and said: