He
now remembered the casual suggestion of the senior, which concluded
their discussion on the subject of her beauty; and he resolved to
go aside from his direct path, and take Charlemont in the route of
his return. Not that he himself needed a second glance to convince
him of that loveliness which, in his wilfulness, he yet denied.
He was free to acknowledge to himself that Margaret Cooper was one
of the noblest and most impressive beauties he had ever seen. The
very scorn that spoke in all her features, the imperious fires that
kindled in her eyes, were better calculated than any more gentle
expressions, to impose upon one who was apt to be skeptical on the
subject of ordinary beauties. The confidence and consciousness of
superiority, which too plainly spoke out in the features of Margaret,
seemed to deny to his mind the privilege of doubting or discussing
her charms--a privilege upon which no one could have been more apt
to insist than himself. This seeming denial, while it suggested to
him ideas of novelty, provoked his curiosity and kindled his pride.
The haughty glance with which she encountered his second approach,
aroused his vanity, and a latent desire arose in his heart, to
overcome one who had shown herself so premature in her defiance.
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