Captain De Stancy bowed.
'What are you going to do with your photographs when you have them?' she asked, as if still anxious to obliterate the previous sentimental lapse.
'I shall put them into a large album, and carry them with me in my campaigns; and may I ask, now I have an opportunity, that you would extend your permission to copy a little further, and let me photograph one other painting that hangs in the castle, to fittingly complete my set?'
'Which?'
'That half-length of a lady which hangs in the morning-room. I remember seeing it in the Academy last year.'
Paula involuntarily closed herself up. The picture was her own portrait. 'It does not belong to your series,' she said somewhat coldly.
De Stancy's secret thought was, I hope from my soul it will belong some day! He answered with mildness: 'There is a sort of connection--you are my sister's friend.'
Paula assented.
'And hence, might not your friend's brother photograph your picture?'
Paula demurred.
A gentle sigh rose from the bosom of De Stancy. 'What is to become of me?' he said, with a light distressed laugh. 'I am always inconsiderate and inclined to ask too much. Forgive me! What was in my mind when I asked I dare not say.'
'I quite understand your interest in your family pictures--and all of it,' she remarked more gently, willing not to hurt the sensitive feelings of a man so full of romance.
'And in that ONE!' he said, looking devotedly at her. 'If I had only been fortunate enough to include it with the rest, my album would indeed have been a treasure to pore over by the bivouac fire!'
'O, Captain De Stancy, this is provoking perseverance!' cried Paula, laughing half crossly. 'I expected that after expressing my decision so plainly the first time I should not have been further urged upon the subject.' Saying which she turned and moved decisively away.
It had not been a productive meeting, thus far. 'One word!' said De Stancy, following and almost clasping her hand. 'I have given offence, I know: but do let it all fall on my own head--don't tell my sister of my misbehaviour! She loves you deeply, and it would wound her to the heart.'
'You deserve to be told upon,' said Paula as she withdrew, with just enough playfulness to show that her anger was not too serious.
Charlotte looked at Paula uneasily when the latter joined her in the drawing-room. She wanted to say, 'What is the matter?' but guessing that her brother had something to do with it, forbore to speak at first. She could not contain her anxiety long. 'Were you talking with my brother?' she said.