He had watched Belle Purtett all the morning, and saw that she distinguished nobody with her smiles, not even that _coq du village_, Ringdove. He also observed that she was furtively watching him.
By-and-by she sailed out of the crowd, and went off a little way to practise.
"Now," said he to himself, "sail in, Bill Tarbox!"
Belle heard the sharp strokes of a powerful skater coming after her. Her heart divined who this might be. She sped away like the swift Camilla, and her modest drapery showed just enough and "_ne quid nimis_" of her ankles.
Bill admired the grace and the ankles immensely. But his hopes sank a little at the flight,--for he thought she perceived his chase and meant to drop him. Bill had not bad a classical education, and knew nothing of Galatea in the Eclogue,--how she did not hide, until she saw her swain was looking fondly after.
"She wants to get away," he thought "But she sha'n't,--no, not if I have to follow her to Albany."
He struck out mightily. Presently the swift Camilla let herself be overtaken.
"Good morning, Miss Purtett." (Dogged air.)
"Good morning, Mr. Tarbox." (Taken-by-surprise air.)
"I've been admiring your skating," says Bill, trying to be cool.
"Have you?" rejoins Belle, very cool and distant.
"Have you been long on the ice?" he inquired, hypocritically.
"I came on two hours ago with Mr. Ringdove and the girls," returned she, with a twinkle which said, "Take that, Sir, for pretending you did not see me."
"You've seen Mr. Wade skate, then," Bill said, ignoring Ringdove.
"Yes; isn't it splendid?" Belle replied, kindling.
"But then he does everything better than anybody."
"So he does!" Bill said,--true to his friend, and yet beginning to be jealous of this enthusiasm. It was not the first time he had been jealous of Wade; but he had quelled his fears, like a good fellow.
Belle perceived Bill's jealousy, and could have cried for joy. She had known as little of her once lover's heart as he of hers. She only knew that he stopped coming to see her when he fell, and had not renewed his visits now that he was risen again. If she had not been charmingly ruddy with the brisk air and exercise, she would have betrayed her pleasure at Bill's jealousy with a fine blush.