He was mine a moment ago; but youve suddenly acquired a remarkable air of property in him.
Couldnt we share him? asked the girl. Hes such a perfect little darling.
Ralph looked at her a moment; she was unexpectedly pretty. You may have him altogether, he then replied.
The young lady seemed to have a great deal of confidence, both in herself and in others; but this abrupt generosity made her blush. I ought to tell you that Im probably your cousin, she brought out, putting down the dog. And heres another! she added quickly, as the collie came up.
Probably? the young man exclaimed, laughing. I supposed it was quite settled! Have you arrived with my mother?
Yes, half an hour ago.
And has she deposited you and departed again?
No, she went straight to her room, and she told me that, if I should see you, I was to say to you that you must come to her there at a quarter to seven.
The young man looked at his watch. Thank you very much; I shall be punctual. And then he looked at his cousin. Youre very welcome here. Im delighted to see you.
She was looking at everything, with an eye that denoted clear perceptionat her companion, at the two dogs, at the two gentlemen under the trees, at the beautiful scene that surrounded her. Ive never seen anything so lovely as this place. Ive been all over the house; its too enchanting.
Im sorry you should have been here so long without our knowing it.
Your mother told me that in England people arrived very quietly; so I thought it was all right. Is one of those gentlemen your father?
Yes, the elder onethe one sitting down, said Ralph.
The girl gave a laugh. I dont suppose its the other. Whos the other?
Hes a friend of oursLord Warburton.
Oh, I hoped there would be a lord; its just like a novel! And then, Oh you adorable creature! she suddenly cried, stooping down and picking up the small dog again.
She remained standing where they had met, making no offer to advance or to speak to Mr. Touchett, and while she lingered so near the threshold, slim and charming, her interlocutor wondered if she expected the old man to come and pay her his respects. American girls were used to a great deal of deference, and it had been intimated that this one had a high spirit. Indeed Ralph could see that in her face.
Wont you come and make acquaintance with my father? he nevertheless ventured to ask. Hes old and infirmhe doesnt leave his chair.
Ah, poor man, Im very sorry! the girl exclaimed, immediately moving forward. I got the impression from your mother that he was rather intensely active.
Ralph Touchett was silent a moment. She hasnt seen him for a year.
Well, he has a lovely place to sit. Come along, little hound.
Its a dear old place, said the young man, looking sidewise at his neighbour.
Whats his name? she asked, her attention having again reverted to the terrier.
My fathers name?
Yes, said the young lady with amusement; but dont tell him I asked you.
They had come by this time to where old Mr. Touchett was sitting, and he slowly got up from his chair to introduce himself.
My mother has arrived, said Ralph, and this is Miss Archer.
The old man placed his two hands on her shoulders, looked at her a moment with extreme benevolence and then gallantly kissed her. Its a great pleasure to me to see you here; but I wish you had given us a chance to receive you.
Oh, we were received, said the girl. There were about a dozen servants in the hall. And there was an old woman curtseying at the gate.
We can do better than thatif we have notice! And the old man stood there smiling, rubbing his hands and slowly shaking his head at her. But Mrs. Touchett doesnt like receptions.
She went straight to her room.
Yesand locked herself in. She always does that. Well, I suppose I shall see her next week. And Mrs. Touchetts husband slowly resumed his former posture.
Before that, said Miss Archer. Shes coming down to dinnerat eight oclock. Dont you forget a quarter to seven, she added, turning with a smile to Ralph.
Whats to happen at a quarter to seven?
Im to see my mother, said Ralph.
Ah, happy boy! the old man commented. You must sit downyou must have some tea, he observed to his wifes niece.
They gave me some tea in my room the moment I got there, this young lady answered. Im sorry youre out of health, she added, resting her eyes upon her venerable host.
Oh, Im an old man, my dear; its time for me to be old. But I shall be the better for having you here.
She had been looking all round her againat the lawn, the great trees, the reedy, silvery Thames, the beautiful old house; and while engaged in this survey she had made room in it for her companions; a comprehensiveness of observation easily conceivable on the part of a young woman who was evidently both intelligent and excited. She had seated herself and had put away the little dog; her white hands, in her lap, were folded upon her black dress; her head was erect, her eye lighted, her flexible figure turned itself easily this way and that, in sympathy with the alertness with which she evidently caught impressions. Her impressions were numerous, and they were all reflected in a clear, still smile. Ive never seen anything so beautiful as this.
Its looking very well, said Mr. Touchett. I know the way it strikes you. Ive been through all that. But youre very beautiful yourself, he added with a politeness by no means crudely jocular and with the happy consciousness that his advanced age gave him the privilege of saying such thingseven to young persons who might possibly take alarm at them.
What degree of alarm this young person took need not be exactly measured; she instantly rose, however, with a blush which was not a refutation. Oh yes, of course Im lovely! she returned with a quick laugh. How old is your house? Is it Elizabethan?
Its early Tudor, said Ralph Touchett.
She turned toward him, watching his face. Early Tudor? How very delightful! And I suppose there are a great many others.
There are many much better ones.
Dont say that, my son! the old man protested. Theres nothing better than this.
Ive got a very good one; I think in some respects its rather better, said Lord Warburton, who as yet had not spoken, but who had kept an attentive eye upon Miss Archer. He slightly inclined himself, smiling; he had an excellent manner with women. The girl appreciated it in an instant; she had not forgotten that this was Lord Warburton. I should like very much to show it to you, he added.
Dont believe him, cried the old man; dont look at it! Its a wretched old barracknot to be compared with this.
I dont knowI cant judge, said the girl, smiling at Lord Warburton.
In this discussion Ralph Touchett took no interest whatever; he stood with his hands in his pockets, looking greatly as if he should like to renew his conversation with his new-found cousin.