Ida returned shyly, and it would seem that some of the color of
her flower had found its way into her cheeks.
"Mr. Eltinge," she said, hesitatingly, "I don't believe I can make
you understand how much I would like a picture of this pear-tree
and yourself sitting under it as I have seen you for the past two
days. I must admit that the wish to have such a sketch was one of
the motives that led me to bring Mr. Van Berg." Then she added,
with deepening color still, "my conscience troubles me when I hear
Mr. Van Berg condemn himself so harshly. I have learned that I
misjudged him as truly as he did me, and I have since realized how
sadly both facts and appearances were against me."
"Well, Miss Ida," said the old gentleman, musingly, "I am inclined
to think there has been more of misunderstanding than of intentional
and deliberate harshness. My long life has taught me that it is
astonishing how blind we often are to the thoughts and feelings
of others. But I warn everybody to be careful how they visit this
old garden, for it's a wonderful place for bringing out the truth.
Nature is in the ascendant here," and he looked keenly and humorously
at the artist, who remained, however, unconscious of his scrutiny,
for his eyes were following Ida.
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