She had one hand up to her head—her rounded cheek was poised upon the forefinger, and in the ravished eyes of this enthusiastic adorer she made the most charming spectacle on earth.
He drew near, endeavoring to calm the tumultuous throbbing of his heart.
Heaven was kind to allow him such an opportunity, so much more than he had expected or even hoped for in his wildest fancies.
Now he stood behind her—not more than three feet separated them.
It was a moment of intense suspense, since Roderic hardly knew how he should make his presence known without alarming the girl, and besides, wished to become entirely calm ere trusting himself to speak.
She evidently heard the slight movement he made—at least she seemed to be aware of his presence, for while she did not move she presently spoke.
"Well, you have returned?"
No answer.
"I said you had evidently come back, sir."
"Yes," replied Roderic, weakly.