Page:Maud Howe - Atlanta in the South.djvu/265

 and forgetting everything but his auditor and his theme, Philip soon broke from the measured sentences with which he began the recital, and with an almost Oriental grace and richness of speech painted for Margaret the various scenes of the story in which he had participated or which had been described to him.

Fascinated by the narrative, magnetized by the speaker, Margaret sat looking into Philip's face with a rapt attention which might well have deceived a more shrewd observer than himself. Was it wonderful the lover believed that the look she gave him as she laid in his hand the breast-knot she had worn that night was love-laden?

He caught her hand in his own and raised it, trembling all the while at his own temerity, to his lips; and Margaret did not frown, but gently drew it from him as a step sounded upon the walk and her father joined them.

The General had come just five minutes too soon! There was nothing to do but to take leave, and with a light step Philip left the house and made his way to Jackson Square. His tiny apartment, "on the first story down the chimney," as he was wont to call it, was cool and sweet with the spray of the little fountain. The windows were wide open, and a single flower spread its scented heart to the beauty of the