"In that case, the sooner he sees me the better;" and both sisters ran up stairs, duly composing themselves into a slow and graceful entrance before they ventured to appear before their mother. Mr. Glentworth was surprised to see the tall and elegant girl who was summoned from the schoolroom, and, in spite of the old brown merino dress, Isabella never looked prettier. The careless banding back of the hair only showed the fine shape of the head; pleasure at being remembered lighted up her clear dark eyes; and a little touch of natural shyness made her colour most becomingly when introduced.
The evening passed off very gaily, for music broke up the formality of the circle, while the books and drawings scattered about led to some conversation, in which Mr. Glentworth talked of the various parts of Europe he had visited; Lady Anne secretly wondering what could take any one anywhere but to the capitals, while the girls were delighted to hear of rocks and valleys, and were only divided in favour between the Appenines and the Pyrennees. When he rose to take leave, Lady Anne expressed her hope, couched in the most flattering terms, that they should soon see him again.
"May I then," said Mr. Glentworth, "place myself at once on the footing of l'amie de la maison, and come in and out just as I please? I am the worst person in the world for formal dinners, but I shall be thankful to have a resting-place whereon to bestow my tediousness in an evening."
