As I gazed, I mused on the strange fate that took from one sister to
enrich the other so providentially, as it might have seemed.
The paper had fallen from my nerveless hand before I knew it, and I was
aroused from reverie by Claude's action in stooping for it, and his
voice saying:
"I will fold up this record, Miriam; it seems to render you gloomy."
"Thoughtful, certainly," I said, recovering myself, with that impulse of
self-command that belonged to me by nature; "no more--not envious,
Claude, I assure you, however appearances may be against me."
"Of such a feeling no one could suspect Miriam Monfort," he said,
gallantly; whispering low in the next moment, "one year has made strange
improvement in your beauty, Miriam--you are hardly the same little dark,
quick, yet quiet girl, I parted with when I went to Copenhagen. There is
so much more pose and majesty--more sweetness about you now--and Evelyn
too is changed--oh! sadly--sadly!"
"I have sometimes feared," I said, keeping down, as best I might; the
emotions conflicting in my bosom--"feared that she might be delicate,
and that her energies consumed her; you must control these, Claude!"
"I!--why, what on earth can I have to do with Miss Erle and her
energies? you speak in enigmas, Miriam!"
He was evidently embarrassed by the cool, incredulous look I dropped
upon him.
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