The subject of our afternoon chat was hushed in a moment, and we gave
our attention to the simple discussion of domestic topics, but it
seems to me, if Zita or Louis had been in the least suspicious they
could easily have detected the strained, unnatural efforts which
cousin Bessie and I both made to appear disinterested and free from
distractions, during the rest of that evening.
CHAPTER XVI.
By noon, next day, I had reached my old home, and was folded in Alice
Merivale's warm embrace. How beautiful she looked, standing on the
platform of the depot as we steamed in? So tall, and graceful, and
lady-like, so handsomely dressed, so striking in every particular!
I was proud to be claimed by her, when I came out, and be led
enthusiastically away by her, into their comfortable sleigh, among
their rich and luxurious robes: in twenty minutes we were at the
house, where a cordial reception greeted me on every side.
The news of my engagement had got ahead of me; there is no bridling
intelligences of this nature, whether they go up with the smoke out of
our chimneys, or creep through the key-holes of our doors, it is hard
to say, but get abroad, they must, and do.
They are served up at the _recherche_ repasts of fashionable families,
and keep time with the stitches of gossip-loving milliners and
dress-makers, they are the great prevailing attraction at tea-socials,
sewing societies and bazaars, and are not unfrequently discussed over
the genial "rosy" or behind a flavoured cigar.
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