They were in the finishing-shop at the time, and George pointed to the
farther end, where Mark was, but with his back towards them so that Edna
had not recognized the young man. He was standing with his coat off and
a plan in his hand, giving directions to a group of workmen.
"He's setting up an improved lathe for driving wheels--a new idea of his
own," explained George.
Edna stood watching Mark. He was very intently occupied moving hither
and thither, now stooping and scrutinizing, then, with rolled-up
sleeves, dexterously wielding hammer and chisel. His dark, delicate
features reflected the keen concentrated play of the faculties, and
revealed an expression of intellectual beauty that Edna had not before
noticed. She thought she had never seen so handsome a young man. Mark
unconsciously had made a more favorable impression in his homely guise
than he ever could have done in a ball-room. At length he perceived her,
and could not repress a look of confusion. Giving a few orders to the
workmen, he drew on his coat and came forward to meet Edna with an
embarrassed air.
"An unexpected pleasure, Miss Heath," he said, with a feeble attempt to
be distant in accordance with the noble resolves he had recorded.
"The pleasure is with me, I'm certain, for I've been very much delighted
and instructed. I know all about locomotives, and steam, and boilers,
and I am indebted for it all to your brother, who was kind enough to
invite me to see the Works, and explain everything. But I am very much
afraid that I have interrupted you."
"A very pleasant interruption; for it's so seldom we are favored with
the presence of ladies here, that we appreciate their visits
correspondingly," replied Mark gallantly. Her pleasant, winning way had
disarmed him completely, and he was at her mercy at once. Edna then bid
the brothers good-by, remarking that she had tarried too long and must
return home.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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