Page 40 of Magnolia Summer

“Oh, I was just remembering your gift for reciting poetry.”

“As I recall, you weren’t very impressed.”

“Perhaps I was but didn’t want to show it.”

“I suspected as much.”

“You did, did you?” Celia tried to give him a reproving look, but with the smile on her face, she probably looked flirtatious instead.

“Shall I recite something else for you? Your beauty inspires me.”

“All right.” She was aware that they were now alone on the dance floor, and everyone was staring at them, but the advantage was that no one could eavesdrop on their conversation.

A twinkle came into his eyes, but he otherwise grew serious.

“She walks in beauty,like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

And all that's best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes:

Thus mellowed to that tender light

Which heaven to gaudy day denies.”

Celia’s hearthammered against her chest. Her eyes were locked on his. He continued in a low, deep voice.

“One shade the more, one ray the less,

Had half impaired the nameless grace

Which waves in every raven tress,”

His gaze strayedto her hair.

“Or softly lightens o'erher face;

Where thoughts serenely sweet express

How pure, how dear their dwelling place.

“And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,

So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,

The smiles that win, the tints that glow,

But tell of days in goodness spent,

A mind at peace with all below,

A heart whose love is innocent!”

Noone else had ever recited poetry to her before, and it took her breath away. Did he really feel that way about her, that her beauty reminded him of a clear night sky? That her heart was full of innocent love? If she were able to speak, she would tell him she was impressed, that the poem was very fine and his recitation equally fine. But her heart seemed to have lodged in her throat.

Just then the musicians announced the Barn Dance—a Schottische.