Blanche's equal sensitiveness at this particular time. He had not imagined that any thing could so disturb his equanimity and self-possession, as he was obliged to confess by many instances of absence of mind which occurred that day. He came near ruining the picture upon which he was at work, by an involuntary suggestion that the eyes did not sufficiently resemble Rosalind's to be of any worth, forgetful that hers was closely veiled and put away out of sight until—he knew not what. The contrast between that morning and the other was too painful to be banished.
Miss Blanche, however, knew nothing of this, and experienced an equally painful sensation in contrasting his friendliness towards her only two evenings before and his coldness now. Every one knows the chilling effect produced by meeting unrecognized one whom we have learned to respect or even a casual acquaintance, as if the sympathetic vein of human nature was robbed of some of its vitality thereby. Yet it is a very common experience, towards which we unconsciously contribute our own share when engrossed with care, or burdened with anxiety.
Mr. Livingston was seldom, if ever, guilty before of such a breach of courtesy, being one of those persons the sight of whom rejoices one like the sunshine after a shower; so much of the kindliness of the heart welled up into the look of recognition which no ordinary care or anxiety could repress, and whose respectful bearing flowed equally towards all, whether friend or foe, if he had any; the lady in foreign laces, or the beggar in homespun.
