“Thank you. I am indeed glad to hear that he has changed his opinion of me; and I must endeavor not to lose my newly acquired amiable character,—but he was rather rash to stand security for my good behavior.”
She saw that Dr. Grey was surprised at her cold reception of his pet and protegé, and perversity took possession of her. Going to the back of Miss Jane’s old-fashioned rocking-chair she put her arms around her, and, leaning over, kissed her cheek several times. It was not her habit to caress any one or any thing,—not even her little brother,—and this unusual demonstrativeness puzzled and surprised the old lady who said, fondly,—
“I presume Ulpian is brave enough to encounter all the risks of standing security for your obedience and docility.”
“Certainly I appreciate his chivalry, since none knows better than he the danger—nay, probability, of a forfeiture of the contract on my part.”
Dr. Grey rose, and, looking steadily at her, said, in a tone which she well understood,—
“Promises are, in my estimation, peculiarly sacred things; and that which I made to Miss Dexter in your behalf was based upon one that I gave you some time since, namely, that I would have faith in you. Come with me, Muriel; I want to show you and Miss Dexter the finest cow this side of Ayrshire, and some sheep that are handsome enough to compare favorably with the best that ever browsed in the ‘Court of Lions.’”
He took his ward’s hand and led her away to the cattle-yard, whither Miss Dexter accompanied them.
As Salome looked after the trio her eyes flashed and scarlet spots burned on her cheeks, while a feeling of suffocation oppressed her heart.
“Why will you vex him, when you know that he tries so hard to like you?” asked Miss Jane in a distressed tone, stroking the girl’s hot face, as she spoke.