But good-by; I'm too confoundedly
blue to-day to speak to another mortal. It's a great relief,
though, that you have forgiven me. I wouldn't if I had been in
your place, and don't think I forgive myself because you have let
me off so easily;" and he turned hastily away, and was soon lost
to her view in the shrubbery by the roadside.
If Ida had puzzled Van Berg in the morning, he was still more
perplexed in the evening. Slight traces of her deep emotion still
lingered around her eyes, but in the eyes themselves there shone
a light and hopefulness which he had never seen before, and which
he could not interpret. Moreover, her face was growing so gentle
and womanly, so free from the impress of all that had marred
it heretofore, that he could not help stealing glances so often
that were Jennie Burton of a jealous disposition she might think
his interest not wholly artistic. Although there was much of the
shrinking and retiring manner of the morning, and she did not join
in the general conversation, all traces of resentment and coldness
towards her companions had vanished. She was considerate and even
kind to her mother, but in reply to her questions concerning the
people she had visited, said gently but firmly:
"I will take you there some day, mother, and then you can judge
for yourself.
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