Beulah - Page 155/348

"It shall not be my fault, Eugene." She hastily held out her hand.

He clasped it in his, and, as if dismissing the topics which had

proved so stormy, drew her to a seat, and said composedly: "Come, tell me what you have been doing with yourself these long

five years, which have changed you so. I have heard already of your

heroism in nursing the sick, during the late awful season of

pestilence and death."

For an hour they talked on indifferent themes, each feeling that the

other was veiling the true impulses of the heart, and finally Eugene

rose to go.

"How is Cornelia's health now?" asked Beulah, as they stood up

before the fire.

"About the same. She never complains, but does not look like

herself. Apropos! she intrusted a note to me, for you, which I had

quite forgotten. Here it is. Miss Dupres is with her for the winter;

at least, a part of it. Cornelia will come and see you in a day or

two, she requested me to say; and I do hope, Beulah, that you will

visit her often; she has taken a great fancy to you."

"How long since?" answered Beulah, with an incredulous smile.

"Since she met you at a concert, I believe. By the way, we are very

musical at our house, and promise ourselves some delightful evenings

this winter. You must hear Antoinette Dupres sing; she is equal to

the best prima-donna of Italy. Do you practice much?"

"Yes."

"Well, I must go. When shall I see you again?"

"Whenever you feel disposed to come; and I hope that will be often.

Eugene, you were a poor correspondent; see that you prove a better

visitor."

"Yes, I will. I have a thousand things to say, but scarcely know

where to commence. You are always at home in the evenings, I

suppose?"

"Yes: except occasionally when I am with the Asburys."

"Do you see much of them?"

"Yes; a good deal."

"I am glad to hear it; they move in the very first circle. Now,

Beulah, don't be offended if I ask what is the matter with Dr.

Hartwell? How did you displease him?"

"Just as I displeased you; by deciding to teach. Eugene, it pains me

very much that he should treat me as he does, but it is utterly out

of my power to rectify the evil."

"He told me that he knew nothing of your movements or plans. I wish,

for your sake, you could be reconciled."