rived of all melody by the effort to suit
it to the young man's ears. But it was necessary to say something.

"Oh, no!" he replied, smiling at her in the pure good-nature of physical
complacency, and noticing for the first time that she was an agreeable
spectacle. He judged absolutely and primitively, never having had that
experience of women which might have enabled him to make comparison the
base of his opinion. "I came right up here from the depot. My trunk was
sent to the boarding-house; it will hire a room for me, I suppose."

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