I could
not but admit that it added grace and beauty to her figure, as well as
a certain impressiveness impossible to petticoats; and yet I felt a
sense of disappointment. For her retention of the costume could only
mean that her father's influence was still dominant.
"You wished to see me?" she asked; and again I was surprised, for I
had supposed she would apologise for the delay to which I had been
subjected. Instead, she spoke almost as to a stranger.
"I had an appointment for this afternoon," I reminded her, striving
to keep my vexation from my voice.
"Oh, yes," and she came a few steps into the room, but her face lost
none of its coldness. "I had forgotten. It is not to speak of
business?"
"No," I said; "it is to speak of your going to friends of Mr. Swain
and me--for a time, at least."
"You will thank your friends for me," she answered, calmly; "but I
have decided to remain here."
"But--but," I stammered, taken aback at the finality of her tone, "do
you think it wise?"
"Yes--far wiser than going to people I do not know and who do not
know me."
"And safe," I persisted; "do you think it safe?"
"Safe?" she echoed, looking at me in astonishment.
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