XIV
More than a fortnight had elapsed, but Gordon Wright had not reappeared, and Bernard suddenly decided that he would leave Baden. He found Mrs. Vivian and her daughter very opportunely in the garden of the pleasant, homely Schloss, which forms the residence of the Grand Dukes of Baden, during their visits to the scene of our narrative, and which, perched upon the hill-side directly above the little town, is surrounded with charming old shrubberies and terraces. To this garden a portion of the public is admitted, and Bernard, who liked the place, had been there more than once. One of the terraces had a high parapet, against which Angela was leaning, looking across the valley. Mrs. Vivian was not at first in sight, but Bernard presently perceived her seated under a tree with Victor Cousin in her hand. As Bernard approached the young girl, Angela, who had not seen him, turned round.
"Don't move," he said. "You were just in the position in which I painted your portrait at Siena."
"Don't speak of that," she answered.
"I have never understood," said Bernard, "why you insist upon ignoring that charming incident."
She resumed for a moment her former position, and stood looking at the opposite hills.
"That's just how you were—in profile—with your head thrown a little back."
100
