She, however, attentively watched my looks, and her artist's pride was gratified, no doubt, to read my heartfelt admiration in my eyes.

But, while I gazed, I thought upon the book, and wondered how it was to be presented.

My heart failed me; but I determined not to be such a fool as to come away without having made the attempt.

It was useless waiting for an opportunity, and useless trying to concoct a speech for the occasion.
The more plainly and naturally the thing was done, the better, I thought; so I just looked out of the window to screw up my courage, and then pulled out the book, turned round, and put it into her hand, with this short explanation: 'You were wishing to see 'Marmion,' Mrs.Graham; and here it is, if you will be so kind as to take it.' A momentary blush suffused her face--perhaps, a blush of sympathetic shame for such an awkward style of presentation: she gravely examined the volume on both sides; then silently turned over the leaves, knitting her brows the while, in serious cogitation; then closed the book, and turning from it to me, quietly asked the price of it--I felt the hot blood rush to my face.
'I'm sorry to offend you, Mr.Markham,' said she, 'but unless I pay for the book, I cannot take it.' And she laid it on the table.
'Why cannot you ?' 'Because,'-- she paused, and looked at the carpet.
'Why cannot you ?' I repeated, with a degree of irascibility that roused her to lift her eyes and look me steadily in the face.
'Because I don't like to put myself under obligations that I can never repay--I am obliged to you already for your kindness to my son; but his grateful affection and your own good feelings must reward you for that.' 'Nonsense!' ejaculated I.
She turned her eyes on me again, with a look of quiet, grave surprise, that had the effect of a rebuke, whether intended for such or not.
'Then you won't take the book ?' I asked, more mildly than I had yet spoken.
'I will gladly take it, if you will let me pay for it.' I told her the exact price, and the cost of the carriage besides, in as calm a tone as I could command--for, in fact, I was ready to weep with disappointment and vexation.
She produced her purse, and coolly counted out the money, but hesitated to put it into my hand.

Attentively regarding me, in a tone of soothing softness, she observed,--'You think yourself insulted, Mr Markham--I wish I could make you understand that--that I--' 'I do understand you, perfectly,' I said.