When I awoke again it was morning, although it seemed to
me, I had but a moment before turned over and closed my drooping eyes.
I arose and dressed abstractedly and went in search of Hortense. We
were to have breakfast in her room, she informed me, as she was
feeling unusually lazy. I looked at her curiously and saw less color
and freshness in her cheeks, less sparkle and vigor in her eyes.
"You are sure it is laziness, Hortense?" I asked leaning over her, and
touching my lips to hers.
"Why, of course it is," she answered, stretching her arms drowsily
over her head and laughing lazily. "You have all been so good to me,
that I feel quite spoiled," she added, rising slowly and coming
towards the dainty, impromptu breakfast-table which had been set for
us, near the open window. Our meal proceeded in subdued gaiety. We
talked and laughed about many things, as if neither heart was busy
with other and deeper reflections, and we did not fail to do justice
to the tempting provisions before us.
When the meal was over Hortense said
"I do not like the way you have dressed your hair this morning Amey,
you do not look like yourself at all."
I laughed and answered indifferently
"Oh! it will do well enough. What difference does it make?"
"Well, it does make a difference, Miss!" she broke in with playful
emphasis. "It makes the difference that I am going to do it over. Come
into the dressing-room and I will make a perfect beauty of you.
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