Eltinge and Ida, much to the surprise of the
latter, who hastily wiped her eyes and sought to hide the fact that
her thoughts had not been very cheerful.
"Pardon me," he said, "but I left my sketchbook here some days since;
and I especially wished to bid Mr. Eltinge good-by and to thank
him with all the warmth and fulness that can be put into words."
Mr. Eltinge was cordially and gravely kind in his reception, but
Ida kept her face averted, for she knew that the traces of grief
were too apparent.
After a few moments Mr. Eltinge said: "Since this is your last
visit, I cannot think of letting either of you go back before dinner,
and, if you will excuse me for a little time, I soon can see that
our simple arrangements are made."
"I shall be very glad to remain," said Van Berg, so promptly that
Ida turned and looked at him with surprise. She was still more
surprised when, as soon as they were alone, he hobbled to the rustic
seat and sat down beside her.
"Miss Ida," he said, "you have always given me such admirable advice
that I come to you again. Miss Burton refuses me absolutely and
irrevocably, and in language that renders it impossible for me
ever to address her again on the subject.
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