Such a conflict there must have
been, but all trace of it was swept away by the wonderful peace that
had succeeded it. Ideala looked younger, certainly, but the change
showed itself most in her perfect serenity, and in the steadfast
earnestness of her wonderful eyes.
But I had no time to talk to her, for Claudia, in diamonds and velvet
and lace--her donning of which is her one way of expressing a
satisfaction too deep for words--blazed in upon us. If it had occurred
so her, she would certainly have had the bells of the parish rung--
provided my authority as lay Rector could have accomplished such an
extravagance. She took us away with her now to join our other guests,
and when dinner was announced I offered Ideala my arm. She was silent
as we went, but looked about her with a grave little smile on her lips,
renewing her acquaintance with familiar objects, and noting every
change. And so busy was she with her own reflections, so thoroughly
absorbed, that, when we were seated at table, she put her serviette
beside her plate and her bread on her lap mechanically, and took up her
knife and fork to eat her soup.
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