“Yes, your room is very pretty, but not to be compared with this grand gallery.”
“The gallery is too large to be pleasant,” said Emmeline. “Indeed, I rarely come here, unless we have company. But do sit down. I want to have a little private and confidential talk with you.”
“I hope you have some affair of the heart to communicate,” said Mildred, as she sat down on an old-fashioned sofa, covered with Utrecht velvet, and just large enough for two, while Emmeline placed herself beside her, and took her hand.
“You must know, then,” began Miss Barfleur, “that two or three years ago I had a tête-à-tête with a very handsome young man. We were seated on this very sofa. Mamma and several other persons were present, but they were too far off to overhear what passed.”
“That is one advantage of a very large room,” remarked Mildred. “But I am sorry this tête-à-tête occurred so long ago. I hope it has been renewed.
“No; and I fear it never will be renewed,” sighed Emmeline. “But I have not forgotten it.”
“Did it come to a positive proposal?” inquired Mildred.
“Not exactly; but if the gentleman had proposed I am sure I should have accepted him; and I feel I never can love any one else.”
“You think so now. I suppose he is still unmarried?”
“Shortly after the interview I have mentioned, he was engaged to another person; but the engagement was broken off, and he is now free.”