 minute. Peace, a good repute in
the mouths of men, home, and a trustworthy woman for mate, an ideal English
lady, the rarest growth of our country, and friends and fair esteem, were
offered. Last night he had waltzed with her, and the manner of this tall
graceful girl in submitting to the union of the measure and reserving her
individual distinction, had exquisitely flattered his taste, giving him an
auspicious image of her in partnership, through the uses of life.
    He looked ahead at the low dead-blue cloud swinging from across channel.
What could be the riddle of Renée's letter! It chained him completely.
    »At all events, I shall not be away longer than three days,« he said;
paused, eyed Cecilia's profile, and added, »Do we differ so much?«
    »It may not be so much as we think,« said she.
    »But if we do!«
    »Then, Nevil, there is a difference between us.«
    »But if we keep our lips closed?«
    »We should have to shut our eyes as well!«
    A lovely melting image of her stole over him; all the warmer for her
unwittingness in producing it: and it awakened a tenderness toward the simple
speaker.
    Cecilia's delicate breeding saved her from running on figuratively. She
continued: »Intellectual differences do not cause wounds, except when very
unintellectual sentiments are behind them: - my conceit, or your impatience,
Nevil? Noi veggiam come quei, che ha mala luce. ... I can confess my sight to be
imperfect: but will you ever do so?«
    Her musical voice in Italian charmed his hearing.
    »What poet was that you quoted?«
    »The wisest: Dante.«
    »Dr. Shrapnel's favourite! I must try to read him.«
    »He reads Dante?« Cecilia threw a stress on the august name; and it was
manifest that she cared not for the answer.
    Contemptuous exclusiveness could not go farther.
    »He is a man of cultivation,« Beauchamp said cursorily, trying to avoid
dissension, but in vain. »I wish I were half as well instructed, and the world
half as charitable as he! - You ask me if I shall admit my sight to be
imperfect. Yes; when you prove to me that priests and landlords are willing to
do their duty by the people in preference to their churches and their property:
but will you ever shake off prejudice?«
    Here was opposition sounding again. Cecilia mentally reproached
