A Castle in Spain: A Novel — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
A Castle in Spain: A Novel
John Stuart Mill · en
Neither of these, however, could have had any interest in the eyes of
the two watchers; and it must have been the third member of this
party who had led them to lie in wait.
In truth, this third one seemed well worthy of such attention. She
was a young lady, of slight and elegant figure; with a sweet and
lovely face, round, arch, full of liveliness, merriment, and
volatility, which were expressed in every glance of her sparkling
eyes. And while the man fidgeted and the woman fussed, this young
person stood with admirable self-possession, looking round
inquiringly, as though she too might be expecting some one.
Paterfamilias hesitated a little longer, and then made up his mind,
for, telling the ladies to wait, he hurried away after his luggage.
No sooner had he gone than the two young men, who had held back till
then, hurried to the spot. The Englishman reached it first. The elder
lady, on seeing him, stared for an instant, and then abruptly turned
her back, thus giving him the cut direct in the most pointed and
insulting manner. In thus turning she found herself face to face with
the Spaniard, who made a very ceremonious bow, saying,
"It gif me mooch pleasure, Madame Russell, to pay my respetts, an' to
weesh the good-day."
At this the lady hesitated, as though intending to give this man also
the cut, but finally she chose to be gracious; so extending her hand,
she said,
"Thanks, Captain Lopez, I'm glad to see you, for Mr. Russell has left
us, and I'm a little frightened in this crowd."
"Oh, then," said Lopez, "I hope to haf the honnaire to codut you to
the carriage, and to say the adios."
"Oh, thanks," said Mrs. Russell, "I shall really feel very much
obliged."
Now the Englishman had scarcely seemed to notice the insult of Mrs.
Russell; for, brushing past her, he had instantly advanced toward the
young lady aforesaid, and seized her hand with a quick, strong,
hungry grasp. And the young lady aforesaid, whose eyes had been fixed
on him as he advanced, grasped his hand also, while a flush passed
over her lovely face, and her eyes rested upon him with a look which
might well thrill through and through the favored recipient of such a
glance.
"Why, Mr. Ashby!" said she, in innocent surprise--"you here?"
"Katie," said Ashby, in a tremulous voice--"little darling," he
continued, in a lower tone--"didn't you know that I'd be here?"
"Well, I should have felt disappointed," said Katie, softly, "if you
had not been here."
At this moment Mrs. Russell turned, and said, sharply,
"Come, Katie."
"All right," said Ashby, coolly; "I'll see Miss Westlotorn on board
the train."
Mrs. Russell looked vexed.
"Katie," said she, "I wish you to stay by me."
"Oh yes, auntie dearest," said Katie, with her usual self-possession;
"of course I shall."
But she made not the slightest movement to leave Ashby, and this
annoyed Mrs. Russell all the more. She looked all around, as though
for help. The Spaniard's eyes were all ablaze with wrath and
jealousy.