Under the pretence of lighting a cigar, I
contrived to wait about near the door until I saw Miss Latouche crossing
the hall. I remember thinking how wonderfully handsome she looked as she
came forward with a crimson shawl thrown over her head--for it was one
of her peculiarities never to wear a conventional hat or bonnet unless
absolutely obliged.
"What do you say to going up the hill on the chance of seeing a fine
sunset?" I said, as she joined me. She nodded assent, and turning away
from the others, we began to climb a winding path, from the top of which
there was supposed to be a wonderful view. When we had gone about a
quarter of a mile, we stopped and looked round. Far out in front
stretched a beautiful valley lighted by gleams of fitful sunshine. The
house and garden lay at our feet, but so far below that we only
occasionally heard a faint echo from the tennis courts. The moment
seemed propitious.
"Miss Latouche," I said abruptly, "I want to ask you something."
No sooner were the words spoken than it struck me they were liable to be
misunderstood. She might imagine that I intended to make her an offer,
and accept me on the spot. Infinitely as I admired her in an abstract
fashion, I had never contemplated matrimony for a moment. Visions of
enraged male relatives armed with horse-whips, followed by a formidable
breach of promise case, flitted through my mind.
Pages:
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159