Perhaps I
should be able to tell him something of what his books had been to me.
I glanced through the flowers again--and he was looking at me! I could
scarcely believe it for a second. But he was. His eyes--his wonderful
eyes--met mine. I could not explain why they were wonderful. I think
it was the clearness and understanding in them, and a sort of great
interestedness. People sometimes look at me from curiosity, but they do
not look because they are really interested.
I could scarcely look away, though I knew I must not be guilty of
staring. A footman was presenting a dish at my side. I took something
from it without knowing what it was. Lord Armour began to talk kindly.
He was saying beautiful, admiring things of Mr. MacNairn and his work.
I listened gratefully, and said a few words myself now and then. I was
only too glad to be told of the great people and the small ones who were
moved and uplifted by his thoughts.
"You admire him very much, I can see," the amiable elderly voice said.
I could not help turning and looking up. "It is as if a great, great
genius were one's friend--as if he talked and one listened," I said. "He
is like a splendid dream which has come true."
Old Lord Armour looked at me quite thoughtfully, as if he saw something
new in me.
"That is a good way of putting it, Miss Muircarrie," he answered.
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