Indeed, it is possible that in his secret heart he
was rather pleased that the illusion had grown up. For it might prove
awkward to be known as Irish; Ireland, among the set in which he moved,
was looked upon as so impossibly retrograde! So when he was hailed as
"a canny Scot" Bernard merely smiled pleasantly and held his peace.
No doubt Violet Rossall thought that smile well worth awakening. It
was so sunny--lighting up to classical beauty Bernard's usually grave
yet always handsome features. The rarity of his smile, too, rendered
it all the more precious. His habitual quiet thoughtfulness of
expression helped to settle so definitely his supposed origin; yet had
his admirers been better learned in physiognomy they could never have
guessed so wide of the mark. The clear, pale skin, the black hair and
dark blue eyes so palpably proclaimed him Irish! Moreover, it was to
his native traits that he really owed his wide popularity. The quiet
reserve which usually characterized him hid a fund of brilliant humor,
which would occasionally, and often unexpectedly, flash out in some
quick retort or witty jest; nor was there ever wanting that indefinable
attraction which is the special charm of Erin's sons and daughters all
the world over.
Even Cuthbert Aston was not proof against that charm, although in a
sense he and Bernard were rivals. For it must have been as evident to
Violet Rossall as it was to all onlookers that both Murray and Aston
sought her company in preference to that of any other maiden of their
acquaintance; which of the two was preferred by her was not so evident,
since she seemed to favor both alike.
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