After the Storm - Page 9/141

"Don't fear but that it will be all right between us. I love her too

well to let any flitting humors affect me."

He stepped upon the portico as he spoke and sat down. Irene had

before this reached the arbor and taken a seat there. Mr. Delancy

could do no less than resume the chair from which he had arisen on

the young man's approach. In looking into Hartley's face he noticed

a resolute expression about his mouth. For nearly ten minutes they

sat and talked, Irene remaining alone in the arbor. Mr. Delancy then

said, in a pleasant off-handed way, "Come, Hartley, you have punished her long enough. I don't like to

see you even play at disagreement."

He did not seem to notice the remark, but started a subject of

conversation that it was almost impossible to dismiss for the next

ten minutes. Then he stepped down from the portico, and was moving

leisurely toward the arbor when he perceived that Irene had already

left it and was returning by another path. So he came back and

seated himself again, to await her approach. But, instead of joining

him, she passed round the house and entered on the opposite side.

For several minutes he sat, expecting every instant to see her come

out on the portico, but she did not make her appearance.

It was early in the afternoon. Hartley, affecting not to notice the

absence of Irene, kept up an animated conversation with Mr. Delancy.

A whole hour went by, and still the young lady was absent. Suddenly

starting, up, at the end of this time, Hartley exclaimed-"As I live, there comes the boat! and I must be in New York

to-night."

"Stay," said Mr. Delancy, "until I call Irene."

"I can't linger for a moment, sir. It will take quick walking to

reach the landing by the time the boat is there." The young man

spoke hurriedly, shook hands with Mr. Delancy, and then sprung away,

moving at a rapid pace.

"What's the matter, father? Where is Hartley going?" exclaimed

Irene, coming out into the portico and grasping her father's arm.

Her face was pale and her lips trembled.

"He is going to New York," relied Mr. Delancy.

"To New York!" She looked almost frightened.

"Yes. The boat is coming, and he says that he must be in the city

to-night."

Irene sat down, looking pale and troubled.

"Why have you remained away from Hartley ever since his arrival?"

asked Mr. Delancy, fixing his eyes upon Irene and evincing some

displeasure.

Irene did not answer, but her father saw the color coming back to

her face.

"I think, from his manner, that he was hurt by your singular

treatment. What possessed you to do so?"

"Because I was not pleased with him," said Irene. Her voice was now

steady.