"Why should I be angry with her?" he thought, "she did not understand what I was aiming at, and probably supposed that I meant to read her asleep, and yet I should have thought that the tones of my voice—Well, well, Lottie has been a little spoiled by too much devotion. She has become accustomed to it, and takes it as a matter of course. When we are married, the devotion must be on the other side of the house."
"I thought Mr. Hemstead would be back this evening?" she said to her aunt.
"No, not till to-morrow evening. You seem to miss Frank very much."
Then Lottie was provoked to find herself blushing like a school-girl, but she said, laughingly, "How penetrating3 you are, auntie. I do miss him, in a way you cannot understand."
But the others understood the remark as referring to her regret that he had escaped from her wiles4 as the victim of their proposed jest, and Bel shot a reproachful glance at her. She could not know that Lottie had said this to throw dust into their eyes, and to account for her sudden blush, which she could not account for to herself.
Before supper was over, Harcourt came in with great news, which threw Addie into a state of feverish5 excitement, and greatly interested all the others.
"Mrs. Byram, her son, and two daughters, have come up for a few days to take a peep at the country in winter, and enjoy some sleigh-riding. I met Hal Byram, and drove in with him. Their large house is open from top to bottom, and full of servants, and to-morrow evening they are going to give a grand party. There are invitations for you all. They expect most of their guests from New York, however."
Even languid Bel brightened at the prospect6 of so much gayety; and thoughts of Hemstead and qualms7 of conscience vanished for the time from Lottie's mind. The evening soon passed, with cards and conjectures8 as to who would be there, and the day following, with the bustle9 of preparation.
"I don't believe Frank will go to such a party," said Addie, as the three girls and De Forrest were together in the afternoon.
"Let us make him go by all means," said Lottie. "He needn't know what kind of a party it is, and it will be such fun to watch him. I should not be surprised if he and Mrs. Byram mutually shocked each other. We can say merely that we have all been invited out to a little company, and that it would be rude in him not to accompany us."
Mrs. Marchmont was asked not to say anything to undeceive Hemstead.
"It will do him good to see a little of the world," said Lottie; and the lady thought so too.
The others were under the impression that Lottie still purposed carrying out her practical joke against Hemstead. At the time when he had saved them from so much danger the evening before, they felt that their plot ought to be abandoned, and, as it was, they had mainly lost their relish10 for it. Hemstead had not proved so good a subject for a practical joke as they had expected. But they felt that if Lottie chose to carry it on, that was her affair, and if there were any fun in prospect, they would be on hand to enjoy it. The emotions and virtuous11 impulses inspired by their moment of peril12 had faded almost utterly13 away, as is usually the case with this style of repentance14. Even Bel was growing indifferent to Lottie's course. Harcourt, who with all his faults had good and generous traits, was absent on business, and had partially15 forgotten the design against Hemstead, and supposed that anything definite had been given up on account of the service rendered to them all.
Lottie was drifting. She did not know what would be her action. The child of impulse, the slave of inclination16, with no higher aim than to enjoy the passing hour, she could not keep a good resolve, if through some twinges of conscience she made one. She had proposed to avoid Hemstead, for, while he interested, he also disquieted17 her and filled her with self-dissatisfaction.
And yet for this very reason he was fascinating. Other men admired and flattered her, bowing to her in unvarying and indiscriminating homage18. Hemstead not only admired but respected her for the good qualities that she had simulated, and with equal sincerity19 recognized faults and failures. She had been admired all her life, but respect from a true, good man was a new offering, and, even though obtained by fraud, was as delightful20 as it was novel. She still wished to stand well in his estimation, though why she hardly knew. She was now greatly vexed21 with herself that she had refused to visit Mrs. Dlimm. She was most anxious that he should return, in order that she might discover whether he had become disgusted with her; for, in the knowledge of her own wrong action, she unconsciously gave him credit for knowing more about her than he did.
She had no definite purpose for the future. Instead of coolly carrying out a deliberate plot, she was merely permitting herself to be carried along by a subtle undercurrent of interest and inclination, which she did not understand, or trouble herself to analyze22. She had felt a passing interest in gentlemen before, which had proved but passing. This was no doubt a similar case, with some peculiar23 and piquant24 elements added. A few weeks in New York after her visit was over, and he would fade from memory, and pass below the horizon like other stars that had dazzled for a time. The honest old counsellor, conscience, recklessly snubbed and dismissed, had retired25, with a few plain words, for the time, from the unequal contest.
She met Hemstead at the door on his return, and held out her hand, saying cordially, "I'm ever so glad to see you. It seems an age since you left us."
His face flushed deeply with pleasure at her words and manner. Expecting an indifferent reception, he had purposed to be dignified26 and reserved himself. And yet her manner on the morning of his departure had pained him deeply, and disappointed him. It had not fulfilled the promise of the previous day, and he had again been sorely perplexed27. But his conclusion was partly correct.
"She is resisting the truth. She sees what changes in her gay life are involved by its acceptance; and therefore shuns28 coming under its influence."
What a strange power God has bestowed29 upon us! There is some one that we long to influence and change for the better. That one may know our wish and purpose, recognize our efforts, but quietly baffle us by an independent will that we can no more coerce30 and control than by our breath soften31 into spring warmth a wintry morning. We can look pleadingly into some dear one's eyes, clasp his hands and appeal with even tearful earnestness, and yet he may remain unmoved, or be but transiently affected32. Though by touch or caress33, by convincing arguments and loving entreaty34, we may be unable to shake the obdurate35 will, we can gently master it through the intervention36 of another. The throne of God seems a long way round to reach the friend at our side,—for the mother to reach her child in her arms,—but it usually proves the quickest and most effectual way. Where before were only resistance and indifference37, there come, in answer to prayer, strange telentings, mysterious longings38, receptivity, and sometimes, in a way that is astonishing, full acceptance of the truth.
"The wind bloweth where it listeth," were the words of the all-powerful One, of the beautiful emblem39 of His own mysterious and transforming presence.
Again He said, "How much more shall your Heavenly Father give the
Holy Spirit to them that ask him."
Here is a power, a force, an agency, that the materialist40 cannot calculate, weigh, or measure, or laugh scornfully out of existence.
As upon a sultry night a breeze comes rustling41 through the leaves from unknown realms of space, and cools our throbbing42 temples, so the soul is often stirred and moved by impulses heavenward that are to their subjects as mysterious as unexpected.
To a certain extent, God gives to the prayerful control of Himself, as it were, and becomes their willing agent; and when all mysteries shall be solved, and the record of all lives be truthfully revealed, it will probably be seen that not those who astonished the world with their own powers, but those who quietly, through prayer, used God's power, were the ones who made the world move forward.
While Hemstead would never be a Mystic or a Quietest in his faith, he still recognized most clearly that human effort would go but little way in awakening43 spiritual life, unless seconded by the Divine power. Therefore in his strong and growing wish that he might bring the beautiful girl, who seemed like a revelation to him, into sympathy with the truth that he believed and loved, he had based no hope on what he alone could do or say.
But her manner on the previous morning had chilled him, and he had half purposed to be a little distant and indifferent also.
It did not occur to him that he was growing sensitive in regard to her treatment of himself, as well as of the truth.
He readily assented44 to Lottie's request that he should accept Mrs. Byram's invitation, and found a strange pleasure in her graciousness and vivacity45 at the supper-table.
His simple toilet was soon made, and he sought the parlor46 and a book to pass the time while waiting for the Others. Lottie was a veteran at the dressing-table, and by dint47 of exacting48 much help from Bel, and resting content with nature's bountiful gifts,—that needed but little enhancing from art,—she, too, was ready considerably49 in advance of the others, and, in the full UNdress which society permits, thought to dazzle the plain Western student, as a preliminary to other conquests during the evening.
And he was both dazzled and startled as she suddenly stood before him under the chandelier in all the wealth of her radiant beauty.
Her hair was arranged in a style peculiarly her own, and powdered. A necklace of pearls sustained a diamond cross that was ablaze50 with light upon her white bosom51. Her arms were bare, and her dress cut as low as fashion would sanction. In momentary52 triumph she saw his eye kindle53 into almost wondering admiration54; and yet it was but momentary, for almost instantly his face began to darken with disapproval55.
She at once surmised56 the cause; and at first it amused her very much, as she regarded it as an evidence of his delightful ignorance of society and ministerial prudishness.
"I gather from your face, Mr. Hemstead, that I am not dressed to suit your fastidious taste."
"I think you are incurring57 a great risk in so exposing yourself this cold night, Miss Marsden."
"That is not all your thought, Mr. Hemstead."
"You are right," he said gravely, and with heightened color.
"But it's the style; and fashion, you know, is a despot with us ladies."
"And, like all despots, very unreasonable58; and wrong at times, I perceive."
"When you have seen more of society, Mr. Hemstead," she said, a little patronizingly, "you will modify your views. Ideas imported in the Mayflower are scarcely in vogue59 now."
He was a little nettled61 by her tone, and said with a tinge62 of dignity, "My ideas on this subject were not imported in the Mayflower. They are older than the world, and will survive the world."
Lottie became provoked, for she was not one to take criticism of her personal appearance kindly63, and then it was vexatious that the one whom she chiefly expected to dazzle should at once begin to find fault; and she said with some irritation64, "And what are your long-lived ideas."
"I fear they would not have much weight with you were I able to express them plainly. I can only suggest them, but in such a way that you can understand me in a sentence. I should not like a sister of mine to appear in company as you are dressed."
Lottie flushed deeply and resentfully, but said, in a frigid65 tone, "I think we had better change the subject I consider myself a better judge of these matters than you are."
He quietly bowed and resumed his book. She shot an angry glance at him and left the room.
This was a new experience to her,—the very reverse of what she had anticipated. This was a harsh and discordant66 break in the honeyed strains of flattery to which she had always been accustomed, and it nettled her greatly. Moreover, the criticism she received had a delicate point, and touched her to the very quick; and to her it seemed unjust and uncalled for. What undoubtedly67 is wrong in itself, and what to Hemstead, unfamiliar68 with society and its arbitrary customs, seemed strangely indelicate, was to her but a prevailing69 mode among the ultra-fashionable, in which class it was her ambition to shine.
"The great, verdant70 boor71!" she said in her anger, as she paced restlessly up and down the hall. "What a fool I am to care what he thinks, with his backwoods ideas! Nor shall I any more. He shall learn to-night that I belong to a different world."
De Forrest joined her soon and somewhat re-assured her by his profuse72 compliments. Not that she valued them as coming from him, but she felt that he as a society man was giving the verdict of society in distinction from Hemstead's outlandish ideas. She had learned from her mother—indeed it was the faith of her childhood, earliest taught and thoroughly73 accepted—that the dictum of their wealthy circle was final authority, from which there was no appeal.
Hemstead suffered in her estimation. She tried to think of him as uncouth74, ill-bred, and so ignorant of fashionable life—which to her was the only life worth naming—that she could dismiss him from her mind from that, time forth75. And in her resentment76 she thought she could and would. She was very gracious to De Forrest, and he in consequence was in superb spirits.
As they gathered in the parlor, before starting, De Forrest looked Hemstead over critically, and then turned to Lottie and raised his eye-brows significantly. The answering smile was in harmony with the exquisite's implied satire77. Lottie gave the student another quick look and saw that he had observed their meaning glances, and that in consequence his lip had curled slightly; and she flushed again, partly with anger and vexation.
"Why should his adverse78 opinion so nettle60 me? He is nobody," she thought, as she turned coldly away.
Though Hemstead's manner was quiet and distant, he was conscious of a strange and unaccountable disappointment and sadness. It was as if a beautiful picture were becoming blurred79 before his eyes. It was more than that,—more than he understood. He had a sense of personal loss.
He saw and sincerely regretted his cousin Addie's faults; but when Lottie failed in any respect in fulfilling the fair promise of their first acquaintance, there was something more than regret.
At first he thought he would remain at home, and not expose himself to their criticism and possible ridicule80; but a. moment later determined81 to go and, if possible, thoroughly solve the mystery of Lottie Marsden's character; for she was more of a mystery now than ever.
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1
beguile
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| vt.欺骗，消遣 | |
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devour
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| v.吞没；贪婪地注视或谛听，贪读；使着迷 | |
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penetrating
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| adj.（声音）响亮的，尖锐的adj.（气味）刺激的adj.（思想）敏锐的，有洞察力的 | |
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wiles
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| n.（旨在欺骗或吸引人的）诡计，花招；欺骗，欺诈( wile的名词复数 ) | |
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feverish
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| adj.发烧的，狂热的，兴奋的 | |
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prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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qualms
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| n.不安；内疚 | |
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conjectures
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| 推测，猜想( conjecture的名词复数 ) | |
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bustle
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| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
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relish
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| n.滋味，享受，爱好，调味品；vt.加调味料，享受，品味；vi.有滋味 | |
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virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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repentance
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| n.懊悔 | |
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partially
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| adv.部分地，从某些方面讲 | |
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inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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disquieted
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| v.使不安，使忧虑，使烦恼( disquiet的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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homage
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| n.尊敬，敬意，崇敬 | |
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sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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vexed
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| adj.争论不休的；（指问题等）棘手的；争论不休的问题；烦恼的v.使烦恼( vex的过去式和过去分词 )；使苦恼；使生气；详细讨论 | |
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analyze
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| vt.分析，解析 (=analyse) | |
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peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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piquant
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| adj.辛辣的，开胃的，令人兴奋的 | |
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retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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perplexed
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| adj.不知所措的 | |
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shuns
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| v.避开，回避，避免( shun的第三人称单数 ) | |
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bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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coerce
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| v.强迫，压制 | |
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soften
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| v.(使)变柔软；(使)变柔和 | |
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affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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caress
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| vt./n.爱抚，抚摸 | |
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entreaty
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| n.恳求，哀求 | |
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obdurate
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intervention
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| n.介入，干涉，干预 | |
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indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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longings
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| 渴望，盼望( longing的名词复数 ) | |
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emblem
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| n.象征，标志；徽章 | |
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materialist
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| n. 唯物主义者 | |
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rustling
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| n. 瑟瑟声，沙沙声 adj. 发沙沙声的 | |
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throbbing
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| a. 跳动的,悸动的 | |
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awakening
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| n.觉醒，醒悟 adj.觉醒中的；唤醒的 | |
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assented
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| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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vivacity
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| n.快活，活泼，精神充沛 | |
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parlor
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| n.店铺，营业室；会客室，客厅 | |
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dint
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| n.由于，靠；凹坑 | |
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exacting
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| adj.苛求的，要求严格的 | |
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considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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ablaze
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| adj.着火的，燃烧的；闪耀的，灯火辉煌的 | |
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bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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momentary
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| adj.片刻的，瞬息的；短暂的 | |
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kindle
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| v.点燃，着火 | |
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admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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disapproval
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| n.反对，不赞成 | |
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56
surmised
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| v.臆测，推断( surmise的过去式和过去分词 )；揣测；猜想 | |
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incurring
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| 遭受，招致，引起( incur的现在分词 ) | |
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unreasonable
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| adj.不讲道理的，不合情理的，过度的 | |
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Vogue
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| n.时髦，时尚；adj.流行的 | |
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nettle
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| n.荨麻；v.烦忧，激恼 | |
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nettled
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| v.拿荨麻打，拿荨麻刺（nettle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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tinge
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| vt.(较淡)着色于，染色；使带有…气息；n.淡淡色彩，些微的气息 | |
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kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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irritation
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| n.激怒，恼怒，生气 | |
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frigid
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| adj.寒冷的，凛冽的；冷淡的；拘禁的 | |
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discordant
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| adj.不调和的 | |
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undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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unfamiliar
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| adj.陌生的，不熟悉的 | |
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prevailing
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| adj.盛行的；占优势的；主要的 | |
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verdant
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| adj.翠绿的，青翠的，生疏的，不老练的 | |
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boor
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| n.举止粗野的人；乡下佬 | |
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profuse
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| adj.很多的，大量的，极其丰富的 | |
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thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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74
uncouth
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| adj.无教养的，粗鲁的 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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satire
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| n.讽刺，讽刺文学，讽刺作品 | |
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78
adverse
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| adj.不利的；有害的；敌对的，不友好的 | |
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79
blurred
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| v.（使）变模糊( blur的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）难以区分；模模糊糊；迷离 | |
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80
ridicule
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| v.讥讽，挖苦；n.嘲弄 | |
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81
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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