"
"Remember you were not to flatter me," said Natalie, glancing at
Delwood, who was silently contemplating her.
"Flattery or no flattery, you must repeat that to please me," said Mr.
Santon, making manifest exertions to clear his throat, and looking for
his handkerchief, as if suddenly seized with a cold. The piece was
repeated with greater effect, and it was not till Winnie began to rally
him that Delwood was aware of his negligence in escorting the fair
songstress to a seat. "Pardon me, Miss Grosvenor," he said, "but the
first tone of your voice carried me far back, to when I was a child of
five or six years. It was in Italy, where my father spent some time,
after my mother's death, and it so happened that I was permitted to
accompany him to an entertainment given by an Italian lady of note, who,
in the course of the evening, favored the company with a song. I was
engaged with some sweetmeats as she commenced, but as she proceeded,
gradually they fell from my hands, and when she had finished, I had
found my way to her side, and clinging to her dress I burst into tears,
begging her to take me to that beautiful place again! It is years since
I have thought of the circumstance, and I trust you will pardon my
enthusiasm, when I say that your "Wanderer's Home," has produced a
similar effect!"
Natalie expressed her thanks for the compliment, with blushing modesty,
and as Delwood bade them good morning, after having made arrangements
for testing their courage with his iron grays, on the following morning;
so long did his eye linger upon her, who had full command of his every
thought, that he did not observe miss Winnie, who was trembling lest her
fresh supply of mischief should come to an unendurable crisis, before he
should depart.
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