As a result they had long animated
conversations, and found they had much in common to talk about.
Stanton would gnaw his lip with envy at these interviews and wonder
how Van Berg brought them about so easily, but found he could not
secure them, save in the immediate presence of others. Thus it came
about that Van Berg practically enjoyed much more of Miss Burton's
society than the one who made such untiring efforts to obtain it.
In Stanton's too eager suit, Van Berg thought he saw the danger
he must avoid, and he complacently congratulated himself that
he possessed a temperament which permitted thoughtful and wary
approaches. He would not frighten this shy bird by too hasty
advances. Through unobtrusive companionship he would first grow
familiar to her thoughts; and then, if possible, would make himself
inseparable from them.
He reached this conclusion during a ramble on Saturday morning,
and with elastic tread returned to the hotel to carry out his well
digested policy. As he mounted the steps he saw Miss Burton in
the parlor, and at once entered through an open window. She was
seated in a corner of the room with two or three little girls around
her, and was dressing dolls.
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