Carter would not find the demands of
conversation too much for him if he was blest with the company of that
charming dame.
Luella took a seat, and I followed her example. Then, with chin in hand
and elbow on the arm of her chair, the young woman looked at me calmly
and thoughtfully.
I grew a little uncomfortable as my self-possession melted away before
this steady gaze. I had no observations to make, being uncertain about
the weather, so I had the prudence to keep silent.
"Well," said Luella at last, in a cutting voice, "why don't you talk?"
"It's your lead," said I gloomily. "You took the last trick."
At this reference to our meeting, Luella looked surprised. Then she
gave a little rippling laugh.
"Really," she said, "I believe I shall begin to like you, yet."
"That's very kind of you; but turn about is fair play."
"You mustn't do that," said she severely, "or I shan't."
"I meant it," said I defiantly.
"Then you ought to know better than to say it," she retorted.
"I'm in need of lessons, I fear."
"How delightful of you to confess it! Then shall I tell you what to
do?"
This was very charming. I hastened to say:
"Do, by all means."
The young woman sank back in her chair, clasped her hands in her lap as
her mother had done, and glanced hastily about. Then in a low voice she
said:
"Be yourself."
It was an electric shock she gave me, not more by the words than by the
tone.
I struggled for a moment before I regained my mental balance.
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