I followed her lead in the
conversational channel, giving but a guiding oar when it turned toward
acquaintances she held in common with Henry Wilton, or events that had
interested them together.
Through it all the idea that Miss Knapp was regarding me with a hidden
disapproval was growing on me. I decided that Henry had made some
uncommon blunder on his last visit and that I was suffering the penalty
for it. The admiration I felt for the young woman deepened with every
sentence she spoke, and I was ready to do anything to restore the good
opinion that Henry might have endangered, and in lieu of apology
exerted myself to the utmost to be agreeable.
I was unconscious of the flight of time until Mrs. Knapp turned from
some other guests and walked toward us.
"Come, Henry," she said pointedly, "Luella is not to monopolize you all
the time. Besides, there's Mr. Inman dying to speak to her."
I promptly hated Mr. Inman with all my heart and felt not the slightest
objection to his demise; but at her gesture of command I rose and
accompanied Mrs. Knapp, as a young man with eye-glasses and a smirk
came to take my place. I left Luella Knapp, congratulating myself over
my cleverness in escaping the pitfalls that lined my way.
"Now I've a chance to speak to you at last," said Mrs. Knapp.
"At your service," I bowed. "I owe you something."
"Indeed?" Mrs. Knapp raised her eyebrows in surprise.
"For your kind recommendation to Mr. Knapp.
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