Page:Romance & Reality 1.pdf/326

320 If, however, the sister was as cold as politeness, the brother was being animated very rapidly into something like warmth. Now an only son, it was his duty to marry: moreover, he thought a married man more comfortable than a single one: many little liberties were taken with a single, never taken with a married man: it was purchasing an exemption from young ladies at once. Finally, he thought Emily was in love with him: she always took his arm in walking, and they were sure to sit by each other at dinner. He forgot Emily had no choice. Pre-occupied and absent, Lord Merton never came into Emily's head: excepting their intervisiting, both families were living rather retired,—so there was no third person to say, "Ah, what a conquest you have made!" This phrase, which so often opens the eyes to what does not exist, gave here no intimation of actual mischief. Yet our four lovers were all on the brink of discord. Lorraine was beginning to think his divinity not quite so divine—delays are dangerous—and neither his vanity nor his sentiment was satisfied at the little progress he had made. Adelaide was tiring of flirtation, which had only held so long a reign from the