"Lillian, Lillian, I've such news for you! Come and hear a charming little romance, and prepare to see the hero of it!" cried Maud Churchill, rushing into her friend's pretty boudoir one day in the height of the season.
Lillian lay on a couch, rather languid after a ball, and listlessly begged Maud to tell her story, for she was dying to be amused.
"Well my, dear, just listen and you'll be as enthusiastic as I am," cried Maud. And throwing her bonnet9 on one chair, her parasol on another, and her gloves anywhere, she settled herself on the couch and began: "You remember reading in the papers, some time ago, that fine account of the young man who took part in the Italian revolution and did that heroic thing with the bombshell?"
"Yes, what of him?" asked Lillian, sitting up.
"He is my hero, and we are to see him tonight."
"Go on, go on! Tell all, and tell it quickly," she cried.
"You know the officers were sitting somewhere, holding a council, while the city (I forget the name) was being bombarded, and how a shell came into the midst of them, how they sat paralyzed, expecting it to burst, and how this young man caught it up and ran out with it, risking his own life to save theirs?"
"Yes, yes, I remember!" And Lillian's listless face kindled10 at the recollection.
"Well, an Englishman who was there was so charmed by the act that, finding the young man was poor and an orphan11, he adopted him. Mr. Talbot was old, and lonely, and rich, and when he died, a year after, he left his name and fortune to this Paolo."
"I'm glad, I'm glad!" cried Lillian, clapping her hands with a joyful12 face. "How romantic and charming it is!"
"Isn't it? But, my dear creature, the most romantic part is to come. Young Talbot served in the war, and then came to England to take possession of his property. It's somewhere down in Kent, a fine place and good income, all his; and he deserves it. Mamma heard a deal about him from Mrs. Langdon, who knew old Talbot and has seen the young man. Of course all the girls are wild to behold13 him, for he is very handsome and accomplished14, and a gentleman by birth. But the dreadful part is that he is already betrothed16 to a lovely Greek girl, who came over at the same time, and is living in London with a companion; quite elegantly, Mrs. Langdon says, for she called and was charmed. This girl has been seen by some of our gentlemen friends, and they already rave17 about the 'fair Helene,' for that's her name."
Here Maud was forced to stop for breath, and Lillian had a chance to question her.
"How old is she?"
"About eighteen or nineteen, they say."
"Very pretty?"
"Ravishing, regularly Greek and divine, Fred Raleigh says."
"When is she to be married?"
"Don't know; when Talbot gets settled, I fancy."
"And he? Is he as charming as she?"
"Quite, I'm told. He's just of age, and is, in appearance as in everything else, a hero of romance."
"How came your mother to secure him for tonight?"
"Mrs. Langdon is dying to make a lion of him, and begged to bring him. He is very indifferent on such things and seems intent on his own affairs. Is grave and old for his years, and doesn't seem to care much for pleasure and admiration18, as most men would after a youth like his, for he has had a hard time, I believe. For a wonder, he consented to come when Mrs. Langdon asked him, and I flew off at once to tell you and secure you for tonight."
"A thousand thanks. I meant to rest, for Mamma frets19 about my being so gay; but she won't object to a quiet evening with you. What shall we wear?" And here the conversation branched off on the all-absorbing topic of dress.
When Lillian joined her friend that evening, the hero had already arrived, and, stepping into a recess20, she waited to catch a glimpse of him. Maud was called away, and she was alone when the crowd about the inner room thinned and permitted young Talbot to be seen. Well for Lillian that no one observed her at that moment, for she grew pale and sank into a chair, exclaiming below her breath, "It is Paul—my Paul!"
She recognized him instantly, in spite of increased height, a dark moustache, and martial21 bearing. It was Paul, older, graver, handsomer, but still "her Paul," as she called him, with a flush of pride and delight as she watched him, and felt that of all there she knew him best and loved him most. For the childish affection still existed, and this discovery added a tinge22 of romance that made it doubly dangerous as well as doubly pleasant.
Will he know me? she thought, glancing at a mirror which reflected a slender figure with bright hair, white arms, and brilliant eyes; a graceful23 little head, proudly carried, and a sweet mouth, just then very charming, as it smiled till pearly teeth shone between the ruddy lips.
I'm glad I'm not ugly, and I hope he'll like me, she thought, as she smoothed the golden ripples24 on her forehead, settled her sash, and shook out the folds of her airy dress in a flutter of girlish excitement. "I'll pretend not to know him, when we meet, and see what he will do," she said, with a wicked sense of power; for being forewarned she was forearmed, and, fearing no betrayal of surprise on her own part, was eager to enjoy any of which he might be guilty.
Leaving her nook, she joined a group of young friends and held herself prepared for the meeting. Presently she saw Maud and Mrs. Langdon approaching, evidently intent on presenting the hero to the heiress.
"Mr. Talbot, Miss Trevlyn," said the lady. And looking up with a well-assumed air of indifference25, Lillian returned the gentleman's bow with her eyes fixed26 full upon his face.
Not a feature of that face changed, and so severely27 unconscious of any recognition was it that the girl was bewildered. For a moment she fancied she had been mistaken in his identity, and a pang28 of disappointment troubled her; but as he moved a chair for Maud, she saw on the one ungloved hand a little scar which she remembered well, for he received it in saving her from a dangerous fall. At the sight all the happy past rose before her, and if her telltale eyes had not been averted29 they would have betrayed her. A sudden flush of maidenly30 shame dyed her cheek as she remembered that last ride, and the childish confidences then interchanged. This Helen was the little sweetheart whose picture he wore, and now, in spite of all obstacles, he had won both fortune and ladylove. The sound of his voice recalled her thoughts, and glancing up she met the deep eyes fixed on her with the same steady look they used to wear. He had addressed her, but what he said she knew not, beyond a vague idea that it was some slight allusion31 to the music going on in the next room. With a smile which would serve for an answer to almost any remark, she hastily plunged32 into conversation with a composure that did her credit in the eyes of her friends, who stood in awe33 of the young hero, for all were but just out.
"Mr. Talbot hardly needs an introduction here, for his name is well-known among us, though this is perhaps his first visit to England?" she said, flattering herself that this artful speech would entrap34 him into the reply she wanted.
With a slight frown, as if the allusion to his adventure rather annoyed him, and a smile that puzzled all but Lillian, he answered very simply, "It is not my first visit to this hospitable35 island. I was here a few years ago, for a short time, and left with regret."
"Then you have old friends here?" And Lillian watched him as she spoke.
"I had. They had doubtless forgotten me now," he said, with a sudden shadow marring the tranquillity36 of his face.
"Why doubt them? If they were true friends, they will not forget."
The words were uttered impulsively37, almost warmly, but Talbot made no response, except a polite inclination38 and an abrupt39 change in the conversation.
"That remains40 to be proved. Do you sing, Miss Trevlyn?"
"A little." And Lillian's tone was both cold and proud.
"A great deal, and very charmingly," added Maud, who took pride in her friend's gifts both of voice and beauty. "Come, dear, there are so few of us you will sing, I know. Mamma desired me to ask you when Edith had done."
To her surprise Lillian complied, and allowed Talbot to lead her to the instrument. Still hoping to win some sign of recognition from him, the girl chose an air he taught her and sang it with a spirit and skill that surprised the listeners who possessed41 no key to her mood. At the last verse her voice suddenly faltered42, but Talbot took up the song and carried her safely through it with his well-tuned voice.
"You know the air then?" she said in a low tone, as a hum of commendation followed the music.
"All Italians sing it, though few do it like yourself," he answered quietly, restoring the fan he had held while standing43 beside her.
Provoking boy! why won't he know me? thought Lillian. And her tone was almost petulant44 as she refused to sing again.
Talbot offered his arm and led her to a seat, behind which stood a little statuette of a child holding a fawn45 by a daisy chain.
"Pretty, isn't it?" she said, as he paused to look at it instead of taking the chair before her. "I used to enjoy modeling tiny deer and hinds46 in wax, as well as making daisy chains. Is sculpture among the many accomplishments47 which rumor48 tells us you possess?"
"No. Those who, like me, have their own fortunes to mold find time for little else," he answered gravely, still examining the marble group.
Lillian broke her fan with an angry flirt49, for she was tired of her trial, and wished she had openly greeted him at the beginning; feeling now how pleasant it would have been to sit chatting of old times, while her friends dared hardly address him at all. She was on the point of calling him by his former name, when the remembrance of what he had been arrested the words on her lips. He was proud; would he not dread15 to have it known that, in his days of adversity, he had been a servant? For if she betrayed her knowledge of his past, she would be forced to tell where and how that knowledge was gained. No, better wait till they met alone, she thought; he would thank her for her delicacy50, and she could easily explain her motive51. He evidently wished to seem a stranger, for once she caught a gleam of the old, mirthful mischief52 in his eye, as she glanced up unexpectedly. He did remember her, she was sure, yet was trying her, perhaps, as she tried him. Well, she would stand the test and enjoy the joke by-and-by. With this fancy in her head she assumed a gracious air and chatted away in her most charming style, feeling both gay and excited, so anxious was she to please, and so glad to recover her early friend. A naughty whim53 seized her as her eye fell on a portfolio54 of classical engravings which someone had left in disorder55 on a table near her. Tossing them over she asked his opinion of several, and then handed him one in which Helen of Troy was represented as giving her hand to the irresistible56 Paris.
"Do you think her worth so much bloodshed, and deserving so much praise?" she asked, vainly trying to conceal57 the significant smile that would break loose on her lips and sparkle in her eyes.
Talbot laughed the short, boyish laugh so familiar to her ears, as he glanced from the picture to the arch questioner, and answered in a tone that made her heart beat with a nameless pain and pleasure, so full of suppressed ardor58 was it:
"Yes! 'All for love or the world well lost' is a saying I heartily59 agree to. La belle Helene is my favorite heroine, and I regard Paris as the most enviable of men."
"I should like to see her."
The wish broke from Lillian involuntarily, and she was too much confused to turn it off by any general expression of interest in the classical lady.
"You may sometime," answered Talbot, with an air of amusement; adding, as if to relieve her, "I have a poetical60 belief that all the lovely women of history or romance will meet, and know, and love each other in some charming hereafter."
"But I'm no heroine and no beauty, so I shall never enter your poetical paradise," said Lillian, with a pretty affectation of regret.
"Some women are beauties without knowing it, and the heroines of romances never given to the world. I think you and Helen will yet meet, Miss Trevlyn."
As he spoke, Mrs. Langdon beckoned61, and he left her pondering over his last words, and conscious of a secret satisfaction in his implied promise that she should see his betrothed.
"How do you like him?" whispered Maud, slipping into the empty chair.
"Very well," was the composed reply; for Lillian enjoyed her little mystery too much to spoil it yet.
"What did you say to him? I longed to hear, for you seemed to enjoy yourselves very much, but I didn't like to be a marplot."
Lillian repeated a part of the conversation, and Maud professed62 to be consumed with jealousy63 at the impression her friend had evidently made.
"It is folly64 to try to win the hero, for he is already won, you know," answered Lillian, shutting the cover on the pictured Helen with a sudden motion as if glad to extinguish her.
"Oh dear, no; Mrs. Langdon just told Mamma that she was mistaken about their being engaged; for she asked him and he shook his head, saying Helen was his ward65."
"But that is absurd, for he's only a boy himself. It's very odd, isn't it? Never mind, I shall soon know all about it."
"How?" cried Maud, amazed at Lillian's assured manner.
"Wait a day or two and, I'll tell you a romance in return for yours. Your mother beckons66 to me, so I know Hester has come. Good night. I've had a charming time."
And with this tantalizing67 adieu, Lillian slipped away. Hester was waiting in the carriage, but as Lillian appeared, Talbot put aside the footman and handed her in, saying very low, in the well-remembered tone:
"Good night, my little mistress."
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1
belle
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| n.靓女 | |
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reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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inquiries
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| n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听 | |
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spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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feigned
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| a.假装的，不真诚的 | |
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exhaustion
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| n.耗尽枯竭，疲惫，筋疲力尽，竭尽，详尽无遗的论述 | |
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7
misgivings
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| n.疑虑，担忧，害怕；疑虑，担心，恐惧( misgiving的名词复数 )；疑惧 | |
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allude
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| v.提及，暗指 | |
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bonnet
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| n.无边女帽；童帽 | |
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kindled
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| （使某物）燃烧，着火( kindle的过去式和过去分词 )； 激起（感情等）； 发亮，放光 | |
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orphan
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| n.孤儿；adj.无父母的 | |
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joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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13
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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betrothed
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| n. 已订婚者 动词betroth的过去式和过去分词 | |
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rave
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| vi.胡言乱语；热衷谈论；n.热情赞扬 | |
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18
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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frets
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| 基质间片； 品丝（吉他等指板上定音的）( fret的名词复数 ) | |
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recess
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| n.短期休息，壁凹（墙上装架子，柜子等凹处） | |
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martial
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| adj.战争的，军事的，尚武的，威武的 | |
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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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graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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ripples
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| 逐渐扩散的感觉( ripple的名词复数 ) | |
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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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fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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pang
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| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
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29
averted
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| 防止，避免( avert的过去式和过去分词 )； 转移 | |
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maidenly
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| adj. 像处女的, 谨慎的, 稳静的 | |
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allusion
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| n.暗示，间接提示 | |
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plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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entrap
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| v.以网或陷阱捕捉，使陷入圈套 | |
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hospitable
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| adj.好客的；宽容的；有利的，适宜的 | |
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tranquillity
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| n. 平静, 安静 | |
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impulsively
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| adv.冲动地 | |
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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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abrupt
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| adj.突然的，意外的；唐突的，鲁莽的 | |
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remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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42
faltered
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| （嗓音）颤抖( falter的过去式和过去分词 )； 支吾其词； 蹒跚； 摇晃 | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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petulant
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| adj.性急的，暴躁的 | |
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fawn
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| n.未满周岁的小鹿；v.巴结，奉承 | |
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46
hinds
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| n.（常指动物腿）后面的( hind的名词复数 )；在后的；（通常与can或could连用）唠叨不停；滔滔不绝 | |
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accomplishments
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| n.造诣；完成( accomplishment的名词复数 )；技能；成绩；成就 | |
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rumor
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| n.谣言，谣传，传说 | |
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49
flirt
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| v.调情，挑逗，调戏；n.调情者，卖俏者 | |
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50
delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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51
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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52
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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53
whim
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| n.一时的兴致，突然的念头；奇想，幻想 | |
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portfolio
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| n.公事包；文件夹；大臣及部长职位 | |
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55
disorder
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| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
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56
irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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ardor
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| n.热情，狂热 | |
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heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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poetical
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| adj.似诗人的；诗一般的；韵文的；富有诗意的 | |
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61
beckoned
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| v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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professed
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| 公开声称的，伪称的，已立誓信教的 | |
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63
jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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64
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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ward
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| n.守卫，监护，病房，行政区，由监护人或法院保护的人（尤指儿童）；vt.守护，躲开 | |
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66
beckons
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| v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的第三人称单数 ) | |
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tantalizing
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| adj.逗人的；惹弄人的；撩人的；煽情的v.逗弄，引诱，折磨( tantalize的现在分词 ) | |
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