Such things have been, I
hear." And he bowed almost to the ground in his half sarcastic
homage.
"Evelyn Blake! It is long since I have heard that name," she murmured.
He could not restrain the quick flush from mounting to his brow.
"Pardon me," said he, "if it brings you sadness or unwelcome
memories. I promise you I will not so transgress again."
A wan smile crossed her lips grown suddenly pallid.
"You mistake," said she; "if my name brings up a past laden with
bitter memories and shadowed by regret, it also recalls much that is
pleasant and never to be forgotten. I do not object to hearing my
girlhood's name uttered--by my nearest relative."
The answer was dignity itself. "Your name is Countess De Mirac, your
relatives must be proud to utter it."
A gleam not unlike the lightning's quick flash shot from the eyes she
drooped before him.
"Is it Holman Blake I am listening to," said she; "I do not recognize
my old friend in the cool and sarcastic man of the world now before
me."
"We often fail to recognize the work of our hands, madame, after it
has fallen from our grasp."
"What," she cried, "do you mean--would you say that--"
"I would say nothing," interrupted he calmly, stooping for the fan she
had dropped. "At an interview which is at once a meeting and a
parting, I would give utterance to nothing which would seem like
recrimination.
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