Page:A hairdresser's experience in high life.djvu/115

Rh "'What do you mean, sir, by addressing me in this manner. Why this effrontery that makes you so far forget my position and your own? Think you, for a moment, that I, the daughter of wealth, can listen quietly to such language from a common laborer?' "'You are mistaken, Miss. I addressed you only in terms of respect, and if one, whom you sneeringly call a common laborer, acts in your presence as an equal, it is because your manner and words, for months past, have warranted him in so doing.'

"'You are becoming still more insulting, sir. It is only your vanity that has made you so misconstrue my actions. But it is beneath me to explain. Leave the house, sir, and rest assured my father shall know of your conduct.'

"'I will do as you command, regretting exceedingly having given expression to those feelings which I have long cherished, and dared to hope would not meet with the scorn you have shown. But you will find, ere long, wealth does not separate us so widely as you think,' and so saying, he went out.

"I caught a glimpse of his countenance, as he turned to shut the door, and saw on it an expression of triumph which I had scarcely expected to find there, and could not divine the meaning of.

"Scarcely had the door closed, when I heard my young lady sobbing violently.' Why am I so unfortunate?' said she. 'Why should this man, so much my inferior, have inspired me with such feelings? Thank heaven my pride sustained me, and prevented my lips from expressing the love I have so vainly struggled against. But,' and her voice expressed the gladness with which the thought inspired her, 'what