Page:Authors daughter v1.djvu/81

Rh complete contrast to his own, was that which he admired, and that her ethereal elegance, her transparently fair complexion, her deep blue eyes, and sunny hair with its rippling curls, was his type of beauty; whereas he really in his heart preferred Miss Hope's, which was more like his own, but with softened expression and more regular features. He was not ill-looking, but his face was rather heavy and clumsy, whereas Miss Hope was really fine woman, large and well made, whose dark eyes, fine straight black hair, strongly defined eyebrows, and short black eyelashes, clear brown complexion with a warm glow through it, rather large mouth, with white and regular teeth, made her altogether somewhat like himself, but considerably handsomer. She would have won him if she had not been his sister's governess, but even with that disadvantage he could not help being fascinated.

The only mark of attention he ventured on to remind Lady Eveline of his engagement was suggested by his father, and consisted in a magnificent set of jewels to appear in at a large party at Gower's Court. They were given through the Countess of Darlington, and arrived at a time when Eveline was disposed to forget all about her engagement. She had entreated that her aunt should know nothing of the matter, and