various features—her complexion, her nose,
her ears, her teeth. He had a great relish for
feminine beauty; he was addicted to observing and
analyzing it; and as regards this young lady’s
face he made several observations. It was not
at all insipid, but it was not exactly expressive;
and though it was eminently delicate, Winterbourne
mentally accused it—very forgivingly—of
a want of finish. He thought it very possible
that Master Randolph’s sister was a coquette;
he was sure she had a spirit of her own; but in her
bright, sweet, superficial little visage there was
no mockery, no irony. Before long it became obvious
that she was much disposed toward conversation.
She told him that they were going to Rome for the
winter—she and her mother and Randolph.
She asked him if he was a “real American”;
she shouldn’t have taken him for one; he seemed
more like a German—this was said after a
little hesitation— especially when he spoke.
Winterbourne, laughing, answered that he had met
Germans who spoke like Americans, but that he had not,
so far as he remembered, met an American who spoke
like a German. Then he asked her if she should
not be more comfortable in sitting upon the bench
which he had just quitted. She answered that
she liked standing up and walking about; but she presently
sat down. She told him she was from New York
State—“if you know where that is.”
Winterbourne learned more about her by catching hold
of her small, slippery brother and making him stand
a few minutes by his side.
“Tell me your name, my boy,” he said.
“Randolph C. Miller,” said the boy sharply.
“And I’ll tell you her name”; and
he leveled his alpenstock at his sister.
“You had better wait till you are asked!”
said this young lady calmly.
“I should like very much to know your name,”
said Winterbourne.
“Her name is Daisy Miller!” cried the
child. “But that isn’t her real name;
that isn’t her name on her cards.”
“It’s a pity you haven’t got one
of my cards!” said Miss Miller.
“Her real name is Annie P. Miller,” the
boy went on.
“Ask him his name,” said his sister,
indicating Winterbourne.
But on this point Randolph seemed perfectly indifferent;
he continued to supply information with regard to
his own family.
“My father’s name is Ezra B. Miller,”
he announced.
“My father ain’t in Europe; my father’s
in a better
place than Europe.”
Winterbourne imagined for a moment that this was the
manner in which the child had been taught to intimate
that Mr. Miller had been removed to the sphere of
celestial reward. But Randolph immediately added,
“My father’s in Schenectady. He’s
got a big business. My father’s rich, you
bet!”
“Well!” ejaculated Miss Miller, lowering
her parasol and looking at the embroidered border.
Winterbourne presently released the child, who departed,
dragging his alpenstock along the path. “He
doesn’t like Europe,” said the young girl.
“He wants to go back.”