"Daisy -"
I started and came back to earth and the Lake of Geneva.
"Mr. De Saussure is going soon to leave us and return home -
you know for what. Before he goes, he desires the satisfaction
of kissing your hand. I suppose he would have liked a little
more, but I have only promised the hand."
"I have explained myself to Mr. De Saussure, mamma; he is
under no mistake."
"So I have told him. He could not ask more than you have given
him; but leaving us for a long while, Daisy, and on such a
service, a little further grace would not be ill bestowed. I
shall give him leave, if you do not," she added laughing; "and
I may give him more than you would like, Daisy."
I think at that minute I felt as if I would like to make one
spring out of this world and all its confusions into that
other world I had been thinking of; but one does not get quit
of one's troubles so easily. That minute on the Lake of Geneva
was one of the ugliest I have ever known. Mamma was smooth and
determined; Mr. De Saussure looked triumphant and expectant;
for a moment my heart shrank, but I do not think I showed it
outwardly.
"Daisy -" said mamma, smiling.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Mr. De Saussure is waiting. Will you speak the word? - or
shall I?"
"I have spoken to Mr. De Saussure," I said, coldly.
"Not very clearly. He understands you better now."
"Permit me to say," put in blandly Mr. De Saussure, - "that I
am rejoiced to find I did not understand you at a former
conversation we held together. Mrs. Randolph has been my kind
interpreter. You will not now refuse me?" he said, as he
endeavoured to insinuate his fingers into mine.
"Kiss her, Charles!" said mamma; "she is a coy girl. I give
you leave."
And before I could anticipate or prevent it, Mr. De Saussure's
arm was round me and the salute was given. I think mamma
really thought she could bestow me away as she pleased. I am
sure she had no idea of the nature she was combating. Nobody
had ever withstood her successfully; she did not think that I
could be the first. But this little thing - it was not a
little thing to me at the time - cut the knot of my
difficulties. Released from Mr. De Saussure's encircling arm,
I removed myself to the other side of the boat and drew my
shawl round me. I do not know what significance was in my
action, but mamma said, "Nonsense!"
"I have not offended, have I?" said Mr. De Saussure.
"Remember, I had liberty."
"Mamma," I said, "if you will sit a little further that way,
you will restore the balance of the boat."