And finally, about the middle of January, she made a
desperate resolution that he should. For several days she managed to
occupy her mother's usual seat by the window commanding the approach
to the store, and finally was rewarded by seeing Hamlin go in. She
said nothing at first, but soon remarked carelessly:
"I wonder if father hasn't got some other dimity in the store."
"Perhaps. I think not, though," replied Mrs. Edwards. Desire leaned
back in her chair, stifled a yawn and presently said:
"I believe I'll just run in and ask him before I get any further on
this." She rose up leisurely, stole a glance at the mirror in passing
--how pale she was--opened the connecting door and went into the
store.
She saw Perez, out of the corner of her eye, the instant she opened
the door. But not taking any notice of him, in fact holding her head
very stiffly, and walking unusually fast, she went across to her
father and asked him about the dimity. Receiving his reply she turned,
still without looking at Perez, and began mechanically to go back. So
nervous and cowardly had she been made by the excessive preoccupation
of her mind with him, that she actually had not the self-possession to
carry out her boldly begun project of speaking to him, now that he was
so near.
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