Mr. Brinsley rose to go, rather suddenly, after checking a movement of his hand in the direction of his watch. "You're not going, surely!" cried one or two of the Miss Miners. "You're coming to dinner."
"Stay as you are," suggested Fanny, greatly to Lawrence's annoyance.
"You're awfully kind," answered the Canadian. "But I can't, to-night. I wish I could. I've asked several people to dine with me at the Kebo Valley Club. I'd cut any other engagement, to dine with you--indeed I would. I'm awfully sorry."
Many regrets were expressed that he could not stay, and the leave-taking seemed sudden to Lawrence, who stood looking on, still wondering why he disliked the man so much. At last he heard the front door closed behind him.
"Who is Mr. Brinsley?" he asked of Fanny Trehearne, while the three Miss Miners were settling themselves again.
"Oh--I don't know. I believe he's a Canadian Englishman. He's very agreeable--don't you think so?"
"He's the most delightful man I ever met!" sighed Augusta Miner, before Lawrence had time to say anything.
"Did you notice his eyes, Mr. Lawrence?" asked Miss Elizabeth. "Don't you think they're beautiful?"
"Beautiful? Well--it depends," Lawrence answered with considerable hesitation, for he did not in the least know what to say.
"Oh, but it isn't his eyes, nor his conversation!" put in Cordelia, emphatically. "It is that he's such a perfect gentleman! You feel that he wouldn't do anything that wasn't quite--quite--don't you know?"
"I'm not sure that I do," replied Lawrence, in some bewilderment. "But I understand what you mean," he added confidently.
"My dear," said Augusta to her eldest sister, "all that is perfectly true, as I always say. But those are not the things that make him the most charming man I ever met. Oh dear, no! Ever so many men one knows have good eyes, and talk well, and are gentlemen in every way. I'm sure you wouldn't have a man about if he wasn't a gentleman. Would you?"
"Oh no--in a wider sense--all the men we have to do with are, of course--"
"Well," argued Augusta, "that's just what I'm telling you, my dear. It isn't those things. It lies much deeper. It's a sort of refined appreciation--an appreciative refinement--both, you know. Now, the other day, do you remember?--when I was playing that Mazurka of Chopin--did you notice his expression?"