The severity of manners to which he had been
accustomed tended to produce an effect the very opposite to that
which was designed; for it can hardly be doubted that if it were the
custom in England for women to conceal the face, a glimpse of an eye
or a nose would excite unpleasant thoughts.
The dance came to an end, and as it was getting late Zachariah rose.
"Stop," said Caillaud. "It is agreed that if they persist on this
march, one or the other of us goes too. The Major will be sure to
go. Which shall it be, you or me?"
"We will draw lots."
"Good." And Zachariah departed, Pauline laughingly making him one of
her costume curtseys. He was very awkward. He never knew how to
conduct himself becomingly, or with even good manners, on commonplace
occasions. When he was excited in argument he was completely equal
to the best company, and he would have held his own on level terms at
a Duke's dinner-party, provided only the conversation were
interesting. But when he was not intellectually excited he was
lubberly. He did not know what response to make to Pauline's
graceful adieu, and retreated sheepishly. When he got home he found
his wife waiting for him.
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