Apart from this occasion, furtive, and wistful look during which
her cheeks would grow pale and she appear for the moment oblivious
of present surroundings, her manner toward the artist was as frank
and natural as toward any one else. It was evident that she liked
and respected him, but even his jealousy could not detect the
certainty of anything more.
But what was the tendency of Van Berg's mind toward her? That was
the question which troubled him more and more every day. From the
time of their parting on the previous Sabbath evening there had
been a growing reluctance on the part of each to speak of one who
so largely occupied the thoughts of both. The old jest and banter
about the "school ma'am" ceased utterly, and they mentioned her only
occasionally as "Miss Burton." The old frank confidence between
them diminished daily, and in their secret consciousness they began
to recognize the fact that they might soon become open rivals.
The attitude of Van Berg toward the young stranger who had so deeply
interested him from the first hour of their meeting, was peculiar
but characteristic. His reason approved of her. Never before
had he met a woman who had seemed endowed with so many attractive
qualities.
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