It was wonderful
how quickly she brought Mr. Mayhew under her genial spells. She
has promised to see your cousin this evening."
"I'm sorry," said Stanton, gloomily, "that it should have been
at your request rather than mine. But I suppose your wishes are
becoming omnipotent with her."
"No, Ik; I regret to say that they weigh with her only as those of
a friend," was Van Berg's quiet response.
"Well, well, Van, bear with me, for I'm in a devil of a scrape."
Even Miss Burton's efforts could not brighten the clouded faces
that gathered at the supper-table. In truth, her attempts were
brief and fitful, for she seemed absorbed in thought herself. She
heard Mrs. Mayhew whisper to Stanton,
"If I were a perfect stranger she could not keep me at a greater
distance. I can do nothing with her or for her."
To their surprise, Ida quietly walked in and took her place. Her
face was very grave and very pale; the traces of her grief were
still apparent, and they caused in Van Berg the severest compunction.
She was now dressed richly, but plainly and unobtrusively. Her
manner was quiet and self-possessed, but there was an expression
of desperate trouble in her eyes that soon filled Van Berg with a
strong and increasing uneasiness.
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