Keeping to her determination, Ella wrote cheerfully to Mrs Brandon,
making the best of everything, and then devoted herself energetically to
the task of trying to shape the rugged children in her charge. The days
glided by, and ever striving to be hopeful she toiled on, driving away
all thoughts of the past, and rejoicing in her freedom from persecution.
But her rejoicings were but short-lived; for one day, upon returning
from a walk, there, once more, was Max Bray to meet her, and salute her
with all the familiarity of an old acquaintance, just in front of the
windows of Mrs Saint Clair Marter's house, and at a time, too, when
that lady herself was gazing from a window.
Ella crimsoned with vexation, and escaping as quickly as possible, she
entered the house, to learn from Thomas that there had been "a gent to
see her; but as she was out, missus had seen him instead."
How was it all to end? she asked herself, as, angry now, she hurried to
her room, expecting momentarily a summons to the presence of Mrs
Marter.
But it did not come; and it was with beating heart that she descended to
the drawing-room in the evening. Had there come a message soon after
she returned, it would have been when, driven as it were to bay, she
would have had spirit to defend herself; but now she was tremulous and
weak, and as she took her place and began to read, her voice shook so
that she was afraid it would attract attention.
"By the way, Miss Bedford--" said Mrs Marter suddenly.
It was coming, then, at last, and in an instant Ella saw herself once
more driven to seek a home--saw herself harried and persecuted at
situation after situation; and it was with a faint giddy sensation,
making everything look confused and indistinct, that she listened to
Mrs Marter's words, and tried to find words to reply.
"By the way, Miss Bedford, as you are aware, a gentleman called this
afternoon while you were absent with the young ladies. I have always
said that I would never encourage anything of the kind; but when a
gentleman of good family comes to me, and in a proper way, I must say
that I feel disposed to be lenient. I must say, though, that I consider
you a very fortunate girl; and though this has come upon me very
suddenly, yet I shall not be harsh; and if your conduct continues
satisfactory, I shall give you every encouragement."
Ella was astounded: the words were so thoroughly opposed to those she
had expected, that for a few moments she could not speak, and her
silence was immediately interpreted to mean modest confusion.
"I did know some branches of the Bray family at one time," continued
Mrs Marter, "and Mr Maximilian puts me very much in mind of them. I
must say that I very greatly approve of your choice, for he is a most
gentlemanly man: there is so much the tone of one accustomed to good
society. Really I cannot help congratulating you."
"Indeed, indeed, madam--" exclaimed Ella earnestly.
"Hush, child, hush. I will not hear a word. I have said all that need
be said upon the subject, except that I have given Mr Maximilian Bray
my full consent to his calling here as frequently as he likes."
Again Ella essayed to speak, but only to be checked, and almost ordered
to go on with her reading, which was kept up for two hours, till Mrs
Marter and her lord were both comfortably asleep, when the reader was
left alone with her thoughts.
Two days passed, and then she was summoned to the drawing-room to meet
Mr Maximilian Bray. In the interim she had twice approached the
subject--the first time to be checked good-humouredly, the second time
to be told that her conduct was bold and forward, words which
effectually sealed her lips for the future; while it was with a feeling
of hot indignation that she descended to the drawing-room, to find Mrs
Marter laughing at some remark just made by the exquisite, who rose on
Ella's entrance to salute her in a quiet, respectful, friendly way, that
she told herself it would be folly to resent. Then, chattering quietly,
more to Mrs Marter than herself, his behaviour was sufficient to make
Mrs Marter at his departure praise him earnestly, but at the same time
refuse to hear a word in return.
What did it mean? Was Mrs Marter siding with him? What, then, should
she do? It seemed nothing so long as such visits as those were paid.
From twice in a week Max's visits grew to three, and soon to one a day;
but always towards her there was a quiet gentlemanly reserve, and once,
and once only, when they were left alone for a minute, did Max say words
that gave her cause for thought.
"Nice woman, Mrs Marter," said Max quietly, "only she keeps twitting me
with my frequent visits. She will have they are for an end, while
really, Miss Bedford, my sole end now is a little friendly feeling. O,
here she comes back. Can't you give us a little music? I do find it so
dull here in town!--Just asking Miss Bedford to give us a little music,
Mrs Marter," said Max, raising his voice as that lady re-entered the
room.
"O, yes, of course," said Mrs Marter; and Ella was obliged to go to the
piano.
She could not help wondering at times whether Charley Vining had ever
tried to find out her address, a strange thrill passing through her
frame at the thought; but the next moment she had crushed that thought
out, and was sternly occupied over some task in connection with her
duties.
At one time she thought of telling Mrs Brandon of Max's visits, but as
they seemed to grow daily more and more addressed to the lady of the
house, there seemed to be no necessity; for there were days when hardly
half-a-dozen words passed between her and Max during a visit, and she
had not worldly wisdom enough to see that Max Bray was awaiting the time
when it would suit him best to make his spring.
Volume 2, Chapter XX.