Page:Gaskell - North and South, vol. II, 1855.djvu/24

 or making any noise to arouse Mr. Thornton into a consciousness of her being in the room. She thought it would be awkward for both to be brought into conscious collision; and fancied that, from her being on a low seat at first, and now standing behind her father, he had overlooked her in his haste. As if he did not feel the consciousness of her presence all over, though his eyes had never rested on her!

"I must go," said he, "I cannot stay. If you will forgive this liberty,—my rough ways,—too abrupt, I fear—but I will be more gentle next time. You will allow me the pleasure of bringing you some fruit again, if I should see any that is tempting. Good afternoon, Mr. Hale. Good-bye, ma'am."

He was gone. Not one word: not one look to Margaret. She believed that he had not seen her. She went for a plate in silence, and lifted the fruit out tenderly, with the points of her delicate taper fingers. It was good of him to bring it; and after yesterday too!

"Oh! it is so delicious!" said Mrs. Hale, in a feeble voice. "How kind of him to think of me! Margaret love, only taste these grapes! Was it not good of him?"

"Yes!" said Margaret, quietly.

"Margaret!" said Mrs. Hale, rather querulously, you won't like anything Mr. Thornton does. I never saw anybody so prejudiced."

Mr. Hale had been peeling a peach for his wife; and, cutting off a small piece for himself, he said:

"If I had any prejudices, the gift of such delicious fruit as this would melt them all away. I have not