Read "Rose, Blanche, and Violet, Volume III" by George Henry Lewes online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
Mrs. Vyner again went into society as usual, the only difference being that she was generally accompanied by Maxwell instead of her husband. Rose often stayed at home, but sometimes went with her. Time had not made her forget Julius St. John, but it had brought back the elasticity of her spirits; and except an occasional sigh of regret, or a short reverie, she was much the same as she had been before.
One Saturday on which they went to Dr. Whiston's soirée, Rose accompanied them, and was delighted to see Cecil there in high spirits, and beautifully dressed. Blanche's condition of course prevented her being there.
"But she is quite well, is she not?"
"Charming, and looks lovelier than ever."
"I have not been to see her this week. Mama has not been able to let me have the carriage. How gets on your new picture?"
"Famously. How beautiful you are looking to-night, Rose!"
"Of course I am; do I ever fail? But tell me, what is the subject of your picture?"
He put his finger on his lips.
"That's a secret. I let none know anything about it, as I intend surprising you all."
"Papa is so proud of you now, that I think if you were to go to him, all would be made up."
"That's kind, certainly; now I no longer need him, he is willing to acknowledge his son-in-law. No, Rosy, no; I have made advances enough; _he_ must make them now."
"But think how delightful it would be for us all!"
"I know that; besides, I know it must come. He will make the first advance; and he _shall_ make it."
The secret of Cecil's holding back was not pride, but calculation. He fancied that if Vyner made the first advances to him, he could _make terms_; and his recent losses at the gaming-table had made him sensible of the precariousness of his present resources.
As they moved through the crowd, and were passing into the second room, they came face to face with Mrs. St. John and Julius.
There was no avoiding a recognition. Rose blushed deeply, and felt extremely embarrassed; but recovering herself, she held out her hand to Mrs. St. John, who took it coldly.
Cecil and Julius shook hands cordially.
"Have you long been returned? " asked Rose in a low voice.
"Six weeks," was the laconic reply. "I hope Mr. Vyner is quite well, and Mrs. Vyner?'
"Mama is here -- in the other room," she said, with an effort.