Bressant

At this sally, Cornelia smiled very graciously, though ten minutes

before she would have snubbed it promptly. She had had some experience

with the young men of the village--easy victims--and had acquired a

rather good opinion of her satirical powers. But Bressant was a peculiar

case; his deafness enlisted her compassion and forbearance, and her own

late rudeness made her gentle. Perhaps the young gentleman was not so

far out of the way in failing to consider his infirmity a disadvantage.

Meanwhile, Professor Valeyon was swinging backward and forward, ever and

anon pausing to take a bite or a sup, and eying the stem of the

strawberry-dish, in deepest contemplation. Cornelia, who from a

combination of causes, felt more embarrassed than ever in her

remembrance, devoutly wished that he would rouse himself, and make some

conversation. She did all she could, in the way of supplying the guest

with eatables, and making little remarks upon them, to fill up awkward

pauses; but she was conscious she was being stupid; and even when she

thought of a good thing to say, the reflection that it must needs be

shouted aloud made her pause until the available moment had gone by. It

was some relief that Bressant ate well, and seemed in no way shy or cast

down himself. There was a freshness and vivacity in his enjoyment of his

supper which was pleasing to Cornelia for several reasons: it was

evidently very far from being affected, was consequently indirectly

complimentary to her, and showed a certain boyishness in him which

contrasted very agreeably, or, as Cornelia would have said, "cunningly,"

with his mature and intellectual aspect. In fact, Bressant was in a

particularly happy mood. The cool air and pleasant room, and the

gratification of a healthy appetite, caused his senses to expand, and,

as it were, sun themselves. Cornelia's beauty could not have been

presented under more favorable auspices, especially as woman's

loveliness had heretofore been an unturned page in the young man's life.

True, it pleased him in the same way as, and probably not to a greater

degree than, would the symmetrical elegance of a vase, or the tinted

beauty of a flower; but he had not yet known the limitless additional

charm given by life, variety, and emotion. Would he ever know it? or was

he so profoundly ignorant of the matter as to run in danger of finding

it out unexpectedly, and perhaps too late?

The strawberry pyramid sank and disappeared. Cornelia began anxiously to

wonder what was to be done now. Bressant sat enjoying his sensations,

and Professor Valeyon, who appeared to have arrived at some definite

conclusion after his meditations, rolled up his napkin and shoved it

into the ring, previous to setting it down with that peculiar tap which

announced that the meal was over.

On leaving the table, Bressant sauntered out of the room and on to the

balcony, with a disregard of what other people might intend, which

caused Cornelia to recollect her first impression of him. Nevertheless,

not knowing what else she could do, she followed, and found him leaning

over the railing, and looking about him with serene enjoyment. The

clouds had been mostly dispersed; a fresh air moved in the damp garden;

and Cornelia was soon aware that the mosquitoes were abroad. Her

muslin-covered arms and shoulders began to suffer.