"
Miss Halliday insisted upon a full, true, and particular account of M.
Lenoble's personal appearance. Diana gave it, but not without some sense
of embarrassment. She could not bring herself to be enthusiastic about
Gustave Lenoble, though in her heart there was a warmth of feeling that
surprised her. "What a hypocrite you are, Di!" exclaimed Charlotte
presently. "I know you love this good Frenchman almost as dearly as I
love Valentine, and that the thought of his affection makes you happy;
and yet you speak of him in little measured sentences, and you won't be
enthusiastic even about his good looks."
"It is difficult to pass from dreams to realities, Lotta. I have lived so
long among dreams, that the waking world seems strange to me."
"That is only a poetical way of saying that you are ashamed of having
changed your mind. I will tell M. Lenoble what a lukewarm creature you
are, and how unworthy of his love!"
"You shall tell him what you please. But remember, dear, my engagement
must not be spoken about yet awhile, not even to your mamma. Papa makes a
strong point of this, and I have promised to obey, though I am quite in
the dark as to his reasons."
Miss Halliday submitted to anything her friend wished; only entreating
that she might be introduced to M. Lenoble. Diana promised her this
privilege; but it speedily transpired that Diana's promise was not all
that was wanted on this occasion.
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