But I
found I could not, and--well, you know I did not. You see I'm at
your mercy again."
Ida was greatly relieved, for she now learned that he had discovered
nothing in his favor, and that she was still mistress of the
situation.
"I do not think you are very penitent; I fear you would do the same
thing over again," she said.
"Indeed, Miss Mayhew, when I first met you here I thought I would
always do the right and proper thing, and I fear I thought some
things right because I did them. I've lived a hundred years since
that time, and am beginning to find myself out. Didn't you think me
the veriest prig that ever smiled in a superior way at the world?"
"I don't think I shall give you my opinion," she replied, averting
her face to hide a blush and a laugh.
"No need. I saw your opinion in your face when you looked down at
your programme half an hour since."
"You are mistaken; I was thinking of myself at that moment, for I
could not help remembering what a fool I must have appeared to you
on that occasion."
He looked at her in surprise. "Miss Burton was right," he ejaculated,
"I never shall understand you."
"Was she talking about me?" asked Ida, in a low tone.
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