Finally,
he turned to silent contemplation of the lovely, slender figure against
the wall. Diana's dignity, her utter sweetness, the something quieting
and steadying in her personality never had seemed more pronounced to
Enoch than in this country of magnificent heights and depths.
"Well," said Diana, finally, "after you've finished your inspection,
perhaps you'll sit down and talk."
Enoch smiled and established himself beside her. He refilled his pipe,
lighted it and laid it down. "Miss Allen," he said abruptly, "you saw
the article in the Brown papers?"
"Yes," replied Diana.
"What did you think of it?"
"I thought what others think, that Brown is an unspeakable cur."
"I can't tell you how keenly I feel for you in the matter, Miss Allen.
I would have given anything to have saved you from it."
"Would you? I'm not so sure that I would! You see, I'm just enough of
a hero worshiper to be proud to have my name coupled in friendship with
that of a great man."
"A great man!" repeated Enoch quietly, yet with a bitterness in his
voice that wrung Diana's heart.
"Yes, Mr. Huntingdon," Diana's voice broke a little and she turned her
head away.
The utter silence of the Canyon enveloped them.
At last Enoch said, "You have a big soul, Miss Allen, but you shall not
sacrifice one smallest fragment of--of your perfection for me.
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