"What is the matter, Miss Hyde?" he asked, quietly enough; but the tone displeased me, and I replied with a good deal of sharpness,--
"I am not aware of anything, sir; Cora was searching for her mistress."
"That is right enough, I am sure."
"She is not here," I continued, feeling a savage pleasure in the words I spoke; "she is out in the woods with Mr. Lawrence."
Mr. Lee colored slightly, but managed to conceal his discomposure.
Cora hurried away after giving me a spiteful glance, and Jessie, who had heard my words, came into the hall.
"Mrs. Dennison told me that she should be busy all the morning in her room," she said, quickly.
"I can"t help what she said, my dear; I only know that I saw her walking with Mr. Lawrence."
"Surely it is her privilege, if she feels disposed, to walk with any person," Mr. Lee said, laughing with a very bad grace, while Jessie looked much disturbed.
"I have no desire to interfere with the lady"s movements," I said, my temper still in the ascendant; "but I see no necessity for saying one thing and doing another."
Mr. Lee appeared surprised at my outburst. I dare say it was not lady-like; but I am not made of stone, and my real feelings will peep out occasionally.
"I am afraid Mrs. Dennison would think you spoke harshly to her servant," he said. "I shouldn"t like a guest in this house to be annoyed."
For the first time I was angry with Mr. Lee. I was not a dependant; I was not accustomed to anything but affection and respect in that house, and the reproof in his voice, added to my own feeling of self-dissatisfaction, made me quite furious.
"Sir," I said, "you have always requested us not to permit servants to enter this hall; when you wish to change any of your regulations, be good enough to inform me in advance."
I turned away before he could speak, and Jessie went to him, saying something in a low voice.
"Miss Hyde!" he called out, approaching me and extending his hand. "Why, dear friend, you are not angry with me? I would rather cut off this right hand than have that happen."
My anger evaporated at once; like a silly fool as I am, the tears gathered in my eyes. He shook my hand heartily, while Jessie hovered about us like an anxious bird.
"I really meant no harm," he began; but I would not hear a word.
"I am ashamed of myself," I said, "and that is the end of it; I am tired and cross."
"You are not well," he replied, kindly. "Jessie, make her go and lie down."
"She never will, papa."
She put her arm caressingly about my waist, and Mr. Lee stood holding my hand, petting me as if my words had been a matter of the greatest consequence. Suddenly Mrs. Dennison entered from the terrace, and exclaimed, with a gay laugh,--
"What a pretty scene! Are you acting a comedy, Mr. Lee? How well you do it!"
He dropped my hand in some confusion, and turned toward her.
"Better comedy than tragedy," he said.
"Oh, yes, a thousand times! But Miss Hyde"s role seems to be a sentimental one--she looks very lugubrious!"
I longed to strike her full in her insolent mouth; but as that was impossible, I determined to pay her off for once in her own coin. A spirit of retaliation was roused within me that I had never before possessed.
"You seem gay enough to make amends," I said. "Did you and Mr. Lawrence have a pleasant walk?"
What a fool I was to think I could send a blow that would have any effect upon that piece of marble!
She laughed outright, and clapped her hands in childish exultation.
"She wants to accuse me of being a flirt!" she exclaimed; "Oh, you naughty Miss Hyde! I did meet Mr. Lawrence, but I had no idea of doing so when I went out. I think now I shall make a merit of my intention!"
"You might always do so, I am sure," said Mr. Lee, gallantly.
She held up a beautiful bouquet of wild flowers.
"I heard Mrs. Lee wish for some blossoms fresh from the woods last night," she said; "so I went to gather them."
Mr. Lee"s face grew all sunshine at once; even Jessie was appeased, and, unseen by either, the widow shot me a quick glance of scorn.
"How kind it was of you!" Jessie said. "Mamma will be so much obliged!"
"I wanted to please her, darling Jessie," replied the widow. "But I must make one confession; will you grant me absolution, Mr. Lee?"
"I can safely do that in advance. I am sure you have no very terrible sin to reveal."
"Oh, I told a fib!" And she laughed archly. "I wanted to go all alone, so that dear Mrs. Lee would give me full credit for my thoughtfulness.-- You see how vain and selfish I am!--so I told Jessie that I was going to be occupied in my own room."
"I think when selfishness takes a form like this, it is a very valuable quality to possess," returned Mr. Lee.
Mrs. Dennison treated me to another flash from her scornful eyes, then added,--
"And while I was picking flowers, who should pa.s.s but Mr. Lawrence; so I made him stop. But I might as well have let him go on."
"Why so?" demanded Mr. Lee.
"Because he was very ungallant; did nothing but talk of Jessie, and never said a pretty thing to me."
Jessie blushed, but the smile on her lips showed that she was far from annoyed.
"So that is all my secret," continued Mrs. Dennison. "Now, we will take this unfortunate bouquet up to Mrs. Lee. Come, Jessie."
"May I go?" asked the gentleman.
"If you will be very good. But mind you do not tease for the flowers--we cannot spare a single one!"
"I promise."
"Then come with us."