“It is evident that you understand who I am,” he said, with another bow. The further thought that in either case she was related to him, was a part of the family of which he would soon be the head, came to give him fresh confidence. “It is not only dahlias that are carried to unrivaled heights of beauty in England,” he added, and bowed once more.
She smiled outright at this. “That is somewhat too--what shall I say?--continental for these latitudes,” she remarked. “Men don’t say such glowing things in England. We haven’t sun enough, you know, properly to ripen rose-hips--or compliments. I should like to introduce myself, if I may--I am Edith Cressage--and Lord Julius has told me the wonderful story about you.”
She held out her hand as she spoke, with a deliberate gesture, which afforded Christian time to note its exquisite modeling, if he had had the eyes for it. But he took the hand in his own rather cursorily, and began speaking with abruptness before he had finished his bow and relinquished it.
“It is much too wonderful,” he said, hastily. “It frightens me. I cannot get used to it. I have the feeling that I should go away somewhere, and live by myself, till it became all familiar to me. But then I see it would be just as painful, wherever I went.”
“Oh, let us hope it would be least painful here, of all places,” urged the lady, in gentle deprecation of his tone. “Caermere is not gay, but it can be soothing and restful--to those who stand in need of solace. It has come to be my second home--I never thought one could grow so deeply attached to a place. It has been to me like a tender old nurse and confidante--in times when--when its shelter and consolation were very welcome”--she faltered for an instant, with averted face, then raised her moist eyes to his, and let them sparkle--“and oh, you will grow to love Caermere with all your heart.”
Christian felt himself much moved. He had put on his hat, and stepped now to her side.
“I have seen nothing of it at all,” he said. “I am going to ask that you shall show it to me--you who love it so much. But if I shall remain here now, that I cannot in the least tell. Nothing is arranged, so far as I know. I am quite in Lord Julius’ hands--thus far.”