I began to understand that he would guard me from the vanity and over-sensitiveness which were the natural outgrowth of my position; yet I reddened at the implied weakness.
"Pray don't mind Mr. Lang's criticisms," said Miss Merton, noticing my confusion. "You certainly do not doubt the sincerity of our invitation?"
"Not at all," I exclaimed, warmly.
"Then will you not come to-morrow evening?"
Yielding to the fascinating persuasiveness of her manner, I now consented so readily, that Mr. Lang, laughing, asked, in the old friendly tone,—
"Did you paint this picture, Sandy, for any special purpose?"
"Only that I might show it to Miss Darry."
"Ah, well, let us take it to her. I have another use for it besides. Are there any further touches to be given it?"
I looked; it might have been improved by more work, but I had not the courage to undertake it before them. So I said I thought it would do.
He lingered a moment, while Miss Merton spoke a few words to Annie, who only waited until they reached the stile to express warmly her admiration of the lovely lady, who had invited her also to come some day to Hillside, to see the air-plants in her conservatory.