Rosa Mundi and Other Stories

Her uncle was away upon one of his frequent journeys of research. Her brother was up at the can

cian never considered himself at liberty for social obligations. So it was with some surprise that she heard footsteps that were not her brother's upon

en in Ghantala longer than any one else of the European population. Very reluctantly she gave the order to adm

-assurance that admitted not th

retaining her hand till she abruptly removed it. "I guess

gaze of his pale eyes, as

I am not at all lonely. I am ex

stiffen instinctively. She had never b

will allow me to amuse you till he

wn in a bamboo chair on the veranda, leaning b

are not lonely here," he remarked

in her cheeks under his di

ely till to-day," she

credulously.

often think that there are worse t

, its absolute honesty-attracted his attenti

s look, though there was that within her which revolted fiercely as she met it. But he prolonged the silent combat with brutal intention, till at

t mean to be unfriendly with me. I believe this place

ponded, with

bjectionable smile. "I believe you're moped. Isn't that it? I know the sy

sure that the man was absolutely sober. But it would be absurd, ridiculous, she told her thumping heart, to take offence, whe

she said coldly. "But it doesn't matt

time with me always. Besides, why should I bore you to

ising, as he spoke; and Hope took a quick step away from h

; I'm not at all bored. Please don't get

too much to expect. Now don't go away! Come and sit here!" drawing close to his own the chair on which she had been leaning. "I want to tell you somet

nd she shrank visibly. After all, she was very young,

ere is nothing you could tell me that I should like t

it must have moved him to compassion. As it was he sprang up suddenly, as

a smothered