His coat close
buttoned to his throat, and an extra silk
handkerchief around his neck, which he removed
only after he entered the apartment, immediately
arrested the attention of Charlotte Henly. Turning
to Maria, she said, in those tones of real interest
that never can be mistaken for manner--
"I am afraid that George has suffered from his
exposure. Do not ask him to play, for he will be
sure to comply."
"Oh! the chicken has only taken cold," cried Maria;
"If he does not play, what will you do? you came
here to hear him only."
"Has Miss Henly ears for no other performer, then?"
asked Seymour Delafield.
"Miss Henly has as many ears as other people,"
said Maria, "but she does not condescend to use
them on all occasions."
"Rather say," cried Charlotte, laughing, "that the
want of taste in Miss Henly renders her ears of but
little use to her."
"You are not fond of music, then?" asked the youth,
a little vexed at thinking that an accomplishment
on which he prided himself would fail to make its
usual impression.
"Passionately!" exclaimed Charlotte; then, colouring
to the eyes, she added, "at least I sometimes think
so, but I believe I am thought to be without taste."
"Those who think so must want it themselves," said
Seymour, in a low voice; then, obedient to the beck
of one of the presiding nymphs, he hastened to
take his share in the performance.
"Now Charlotte, you little prude," whispered her
friend, the instant he withdrew, "is he not very,
very handsome?"
"Very," said Charlotte; "more so than any other
gentleman I have ever seen.
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