Page:The Semi-attached Couple.djvu/106

 "My love, do not misunderstand me; I see," she added, looking round with rather a vexed air, "that you have all the luxuries of life in profusion; but I am sure that you are like me, and do not care for those kind of things, and that Teviot's feelings"

"I beg your pardon, I care very much for the luxuries of life," said Helen, determined to pursue that safe subject. "It is a real pleasure to me to look round and see the absolute perfection of my room; and besides, most of my pretty things are gifts, and I love them for the sake of the givers. Do look at this beautiful gold dressing service, which Teviot gave me on our wedding-day."

"Ah, very handsome, beautiful! Lord Portmore wanted to give me just the same set; at least I told him of one I had seen, and he would have given it to me, only he thought it would be useless; but to return to Lord Teviot."

"But just look first at my sapphires; I have heard you admire sapphires."

"Yes, so I do in the abstract; the blue is beautiful, and Lord Portmore would have given me a set if I had wished for them; but don't you think—not that I wish to put you out of conceit of your stones—but don't you think they are less becoming than rubies?"

"Do you think so?" said Helen, raising the tray on which they were placed. "I suppose papa agrees with you, for he gave me these; but Teviot and I like the others best."

"You agree in that then. Ah! similarity of tastes, even in trifles, is a blessing; but now, my love, shut that box, and let us talk rationally. I know Teviot so well that I am sure I can give you some useful hints."

"Do you think this miniature on my watch is like him?"

"Yes, very like; I have seen it before," said Lady Portmore, impatiently. "Of course I know all about it; I recommended Holmes to Teviot. But it is of himself,