Her eye turned towards Mr. Sylvester standing near them upright and firm, talking to a group of attentive gentlemen every one of whom boasted a name of more than local celebrity. “Without a royal heart to govern, there would be no palace;” said she, and blushed under a sudden sense of the possible interpretation he might give to her words, till the rose in her hand looked pallid.
But he had followed her glance and understood her better than she thought. “And Mr. Sylvester has such a heart, so a hundred good fellows have told me. You are fortunate to see the city from the loophole of such a home as his.”
“It is more than a loophole,” said she.
“Of that I shall never be satisfied till I see it?”
And being content with the look he received, he took her on his arm and led her into the midst of the dancers.
Meanwhile in a certain corner not far off, two gentlemen were talking.
“Sylvester shows off well tonight.”
“He always does. With such a figure as that, a man needs but to enter a room to make himself felt. But then he’s a good talker too. Ever heard him speak?”
“No.”
“Fine voice, true snap, right ring. Great favorite at elections. The fact is, Sylvester is a remarkable man.”
“Hum, ha, so I should judge.”