I started and came back to earth and the Lake of Geneva.
"Mr. De Saussure is going soon to leave us and return home - you know for what. Before he goes, he desires the satisfaction of kissing your hand. I suppose he would have liked a little more, but I have only promised the hand."
"I have explained myself to Mr. De Saussure, mamma; he is under no mistake."
"So I have told him. He could not ask more than you have given him; but leaving us for a long while, Daisy, and on such a service, a little further grace would not be ill bestowed. I shall give him leave, if you do not," she added laughing; "and I may give him more than you would like, Daisy."
I think at that minute I felt as if I would like to make one spring out of this world and all its confusions into that other world I had been thinking of; but one does not get quit of one's troubles so easily. That minute on the Lake of Geneva was one of the _ugliest_ I have ever known. Mamma was smooth and determined; Mr. De Saussure looked triumphant and expectant; for a moment my heart shrank, but I do not think I showed it outwardly.
"Mr. De Saussure is waiting. Will you speak the word? - or shall I?"
"I have spoken to Mr. De Saussure," I said, coldly.
"Not very clearly. He understands you better now."
"Permit me to say," put in blandly Mr. De Saussure, - "that I am rejoiced to find I did _not_ understand you at a former conversation we held together. Mrs. Randolph has been my kind interpreter. You will not _now_ refuse me?" he said, as he endeavoured to insinuate his fingers into mine.
"Kiss her, Charles!" said mamma; "she is a coy girl. I give you leave."
And before I could anticipate or prevent it, Mr. De Saussure's arm was round me and the salute was given. I think mamma really thought she could bestow me away as she pleased. I am sure she had no idea of the nature she was combating. Nobody had ever withstood her successfully; she did not think that I could be the first. But this little thing - it was not a little thing to me at the time - cut the knot of my difficulties. Released from Mr. De Saussure's encircling arm, I removed myself to the other side of the boat and drew my shawl round me. I do not know what significance was in my action, but mamma said, "Nonsense!"
