I wish he would go to Mexico with the
rest," said Cap, as she pursued her way homeward.
Not to excite her suspicion, Craven Le Noir avoided meeting Capitola
for a few days, and then threw himself in her road and, as before,
allowed her to overtake him.
Very subtly he entered into conversation with her, and, guarding
every word and look, took care to interest without alarming her. He
said no more of friendship, but a great deal of regret for wasted
years and wasted talents in the past and good resolutions for the
future.
And Cap listened good humoredly. Capitola, being of a brave, hard,
firm nature, had not the sensitive perceptions, fine intuitions and
true insight into character that distinguished the more refined
nature of Clara Day--or, at least, she had not these delicate
faculties in the same perfection. Thus, her undefined suspicions of
Craven's sincerity were overborne by a sort of noble benevolence
which determined her to think the best of him which circumstances
would permit.
Craven, on his part, having had more experience, was much wiser in
the pursuit of his object. He also had the advantage of being in
earnest. His passion for Capitola was sincere, and not, as it had
been in the case of Clara, simulated. He believed, therefore, that,
when the time should be ripe for the declaration of his love, he
would have a much better prospect of success, especially as
Capitola, in her ignorance of her own great fortune, must consider
his proposal the very climax of disinterestedness.
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