She had been exquisitely discreet--in public--forcing Arabella
always to talk to Mr. Hanbury-Green, and devoting herself to Lady
Maulevrier, or any other lady or old gentleman who happened to be
present. And then she felt free to spend long hours alone with Mr.
Hanbury-Green in her sitting-room, whose balcony hung over the beautiful
canal. No one could say a word--Arabella's discretion could always be
counted upon; and pleasure was secured.
She looked, perhaps, more beautiful than she had ever done in her life
as they started. Mr. Hanbury-Green had hired a special gondola, not the
one they were accustomed to float about in,--and off they went. Where
was the harm, in broad daylight! and with Arabella to accompany them--as
far as the last steps, and then to be dropped? Cecilia felt like a
school-girl on a forbidden treat.
When they were well out of sight of all observation, Mr. Hanbury-Green
began. He told her that he loved her, in all the most impressive
language he was master of; he felt that with her he might with safety
and success use the same flamboyant metaphors and exaggerations with
which he was accustomed to move his constituents.
Pages:
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397