Much to his mortification he learned the party had been gone about ten minutes, and he was turning from the door, when the servant added,
“Miss Laurence is at home—will you walk in, sir?”
Then she had not gone! Strange!—no, he would not go in; but perhaps he had better, and apologize for his apparent rudeness. Yes, he would go in; and following the servant, he was ushered into the drawing-room.
Sending up his card, Gadsby sat down to await the entrance of the lady. Opposite the sofa on which he reclined hung the full length portrait of Miss Laurence—the work of the unfortunate young painter whom love of her had driven from his native land. It was a beautiful creation of art, but not more beautiful than the fair original herself. There was grace, dignity, and repose in the attitude, harmonizing so perfectly with the sweet expression of the features. The eyes of Gadsby were soon riveted upon it, and rising from his seat, he approached nearer, and remained standing before it, lost in contemplating its loveliness.
“Charming girl!” he exclaimed inadvertently aloud; “but false as thou art charming!”
Imprudent man! These words were not lost; even as he spoke the fair Lucia herself stood very near him, waiting for him to turn around that she might address him; but as she caught this expression, a glow of indignation suffused her features, and with noiseless footsteps she glided from the room.
“How dare he say this of me!” she exclaimed, as she closed the door of her chamber; “what reason have I given him for such a supposition! He judges of me by his own false and fickle heart; yet why should I care for the opinion of such a man as he is. How stupid in John to say I was at home. I believe I will send word I am engaged; no, I will even see him, and let him know by my indifference how little value I place either on his society or his opinion.”
And Lucia re-entered the drawing-room with a stately step, and received the salutation of her visiter with the utmost hauteur of manner.
“I have called, Miss Laurence, to apologize for my apparent incivility in not keeping the engagement formed with you last evening,” said Gadsby, with evident embarrassment.
“It was not necessary, Mr. Gadsby, to take so much trouble for that which is of so little consequence,” answered Lucia, coldly.