However boldly the old uncle cast the
boarding-hooks over the vessel, Longueville slipped away cleverly, so
as to preserve the charm of mystery; and it was easy to him to remain
the "handsome Stranger" at the Villa, because curiosity never
overstepped the bounds of good breeding.
Emilie, distracted by this reserve, hoped to get more out of the
sister than the brother, in the form of confidences. Aided by her
uncle, who was as skilful in such manoeuvres as in handling a ship,
she endeavored to bring upon the scene the hitherto unseen figure of
Mademoiselle Clara Longueville. The family party at the Villa Planat
soon expressed the greatest desire to make the acquaintance of so
amiable a young lady, and to give her some amusement. An informal
dance was proposed and accepted. The ladies did not despair of making
a young girl of sixteen talk.
Notwithstanding the little clouds piled up by suspicion and created by
curiosity, a light of joy shone in Emilie's soul, for she found life
delicious when thus intimately connected with another than herself.
She began to understand the relations of life. Whether it is that
happiness makes us better, or that she was too fully occupied to
torment other people, she became less caustic, more gentle, and
indulgent. This change in her temper enchanted and amazed her family.
Perhaps, at last, her selfishness was being transformed to love.
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