’What is the matter, Miss Freda? Have the domestic deities been adverse this morning? I am afraid you are very—cross,’
‘Thank you, Colonel Vaughan. I am not at all—cross.’
‘Have I had the misfortune to offend you?’
’You? by no means. But I do not wish to assist in any of the Nugent decorations. I am not so fond of the family as you may imagine; Lady Mary and Miss Nugent are less than indifferent to me. Lady Mary is a mere manoeuvrer, that no straightforward person could like; and Miss Nugent is a mere handsome wax figure, with such clever machinery inside, that she can literally say the words, “mamma thaith.” I have heard of a doll who could say “mamma,” but she is still cleverer.’
’Colonel Vaughan bit his lips, knit his forehead, but smiled. ’You are severe upon your neighbours, Freda.’
’Do you admire them, then? do you think Miss Nugent altogether charming? or will she be perfect in your eyes the day after to-morrow?’
’If perfection consists in being a beauty and an heiress, I need not go away from Glanyravon to seek one, Freda.’
’Do you stereotype your compliments? I hear that you pay them wherever you go, and I hate compliments, particularly from people whose good opinion I value. Besides, I am neither a beauty nor an heiress, and to be complimented in almost the same words as Miss Nugent is too contemptible.’
‘You do not suppose that I class you together, Freda?’
’I am thankful to say that you cannot do that, Colonel Vaughan, at least if I know myself at all; but, after all, I may be infinitely her inferior.’
Freda got up from her drawing with a very flushed face. She knew that she had said more than she meant to say, and that Colonel Vaughan was scrutinising her with his calm, collected mind and penetrating eyes.
‘I am going out now, and you promised to ride with papa, I think,’ she said abruptly.
‘But you must not go until you have told me how I have displeased you,’ said Colonel Vaughan, rising and detaining her. He had such a power over her that he always wormed her thoughts out of her.
’I did not like to hear you saying what you did not mean, to Miss Nugent,’ said Freda, as if she were obliged to make a confession; ’and I think it beneath a man like you to pay frivolous compliments to a girl you must despise.’
’Oh, is that all! I make a point of complimenting handsome girls, pour passer le temps; it is the only way of getting on with half of them. You must forgive me this once.’
Freda looked at him, and even he, clever as he was, could not tell whether her glance expressed pity, contempt, or love. She turned away, and left the room without speaking; he made another movement to detain her, but she was gone; his thoughts were as follows:—