She too was hiding something, one sentiment with another very different. But her youth came to her aid, and very soon the second excitement really took the place of the first, and she was joyously alive to the prospect of a novel gayety.
“I must not eat anything more,” said Hermione. “I believe the Marchesino is ordering something marvellous for us, all the treasures of the sea. We must be up to the mark. He really is a good fellow.”
“Yes,” said Artois. “He is. I have a genuine liking for him.”
He said it with obvious sincerity.
“I am going,” said Vere. “I must think about clothes. And I must undo my hair again and get Maria to dry it thoroughly, or I shall look frightening.”
She went out quickly, her eyes sparkling.
“Vere is delighted,” said Hermione.
“Yes, indeed she is.”
“And you are not. Would you rather avoid the Marchesino to-night, Emile, and not come with us? Perhaps I am selfish. I would so very much rather have you with us.”
“If Doro asks me I shall certainly come. It’s true that I wish you were not engaged to-night—I should have enjoyed a quiet evening here. But we shall have many quiet, happy evenings together this summer, I hope.”