Page:The time spirit; a romantic tale (IA timespiritromant00snaiiala).pdf/221

 so much in earnest that it would have seemed unkind to refuse.

"May I choose any one of them?"

"Please. And I hope you will do me the honor of choosing the best."

Put on her mettle she brought instinct rather than knowledge to bear on a fine collection, and chose a charming Louis Quinze.

"You have a flair," said the Duke, laughing. "That is the one. I am so glad you found it. I should not like you to have less than the best. Good-by!" Again he took her hand and his voice had a father's affection in it. Then he pressed the bell, opened the door, and ushered her into the care of a servant with an air of solicitude which she felt to be quite extraordinary. As he did so he apologized with a humility that seemed almost excessive for his inability to accompany her downstairs.

IV

As soon as the girl had gone, the Duke returned painfully to his chair. He was now the prey of very odd sensations, and they began to crystallize at once into emotion as deep as any he had ever felt. Something had happened at this interview which left him now with a feeling of numb surprise. The entrance of this girl into that room had brought something into his life, her going away had taken something out of it. Almost in the act of meeting a subtle bond had seemed to arise between them. It was as if each had a sixth sense in regard to the other. Their minds had marched so perfectly together that it was hard to realize that