[Gutenberg 49954] • The Ralstons

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1895. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVII. Katharine had expected to spend a quiet evening with Ralston. She had counted upon Mrs. Bright's sleepiness, which was overpowering when it suddenly came upon her, and upon Hamilton Bright's tact. She thought that he would' very probably go out soon after dinner and not appear again. But she was very much mistaken in her calculations. When she came down to dinner she found Bright already in the library. He was bending over a low table and looking at a new book when she entered, and she saw a broad, flat expanse of black shoulders, just surmounted by a round, flaxen head. As he heard her step behind him he straightened himself and turned round to meet her. He put out his hand. She seemed a little surprised at this, since they had exchanged all the usual greetings when she had come, but she took it with her left, with an unconscious awkwardness which touched him. She laughed a little. "It's not easy with my left," she said. "It doesn't come right -- besides, we've shaken hands before." "I know," he answered. "But it doesn't do any harm to do it again, you know." It gave him pleasure to touch even the tips of her fingers. "You have a sort of classic look," he said, glancing at her dress. "Toga -- you know -- that sort of thing." "I don't know how I'm dressed, I'm sure," she answered. "It's such a bore to have one's arm in a sling." She wore black. Her left side was fitted closely by the soft material, and she had a certain little silver pin at her throat, which had associations for her. She had worn it on the morning of her marriage with John Ralston, and seldom appeared without it, though it was a most insignificant little ornament. Over her right shoulder and arm she had draped a piece of black silk and some lace. Mrs. Bright had come to her room an...