Now he took it into his clasp as tenderly as though it were Francesca’s face, and kissed it with the self-same clinging and passionate fondness as this of which he had just read.  Here had her lips rested,—­here; he felt their fragrance and softness thrilling him under the cold, dead paper, and pressed it to his heart while he continued to read:—­

“Before she turned, I walked to another window,—­wishing to give her time to recover calmness, or at least self-control, and was at once absorbed in contemplating a gentleman whom I felt assured to be Mr. Ercildoune.  He stood with his back to me, apparently giving some order to the coachman:  thus I could not see his face, but I never before was so impressed with, so to speak, the personality of a man.  His physique was grand, and his air and bearing magnificent, and I watched him with admiration as he walked slowly away.  I presume he passed the window at which she was standing, for she called, ‘Papa!’ ‘In a moment, dear,’ he answered, and in a moment entered, and was presented; and I, raising my eyes to his face,—­ah, how can I tell you what sight they beheld!

“Self-possessed as I think I am, and as I certainly ought to be, I started back with an involuntary exclamation, a mingling doubtless of incredulity and disgust.  This man, who stood before me with all the ease and self-assertion of a gentleman, was—­you will never believe it, I fear—­a mulatto!

“Whatever effect my manner had on him was not perceptible.  He had not seated himself, and, with a smile that was actually satirical, he bowed, uttered a few words of greeting, and went out of the room.

“‘How dared you?’ I then cried, for astonishment had given place to rage, ’how dared you deceive me—­deceive us all—­so? how dared you palm yourself off as white and respectable, and thus be admitted to Mr. Hale’s school and to the society and companionship of his pupils?’ I could scarcely control myself when I thought of how shamefully we had all been cozened.

“‘Pardon me, madam,’ she answered with effrontery,—­effrontery under the circumstances,—­’you forget yourself, and what is due from one lady to another.’ (Did you ever hear of such presumption!) ’I practised no deceit upon Professor Hale.  He knew papa well,—­was his intimate friend at college, in England,—­and was perfectly aware who was Mr. Ercildoune’s daughter when she was admitted to his school.  For myself, I had no confessions to make, and made none.  I was your daughter’s friend; as such, went to her house, and invited her here.  I trust you have seen in me nothing unbecoming a gentlewoman, as, up to this time, I have beheld in you naught save the attributes of a lady.  If we are to have any farther conversation, it must be conducted on the old plan, and not the extraordinary one you have just adopted; else I shall be compelled, in self-respect, to leave you alone in my own parlor.’

“Imagine if you can the effect of this speech upon me.  I assure you I was composed enough outwardly, if not inwardly, ere she ended her sentence.  Having finished, I said, ’Pardon me, Miss Ercildoune, for any words which may have offended your dignity.  I will confine myself for the rest of our interview to your own rules!’