'Well, wouldn't it be too bad, directly you got fond of her, for her to go away? Now wouldn't it?'
'But life is full of changes, my dear!'
'That's not an answer, mother. You're fond of me;'--an endearing caress answered me--'very, very fond, I know, and I am of you. Now, supposing I was to go away!'
'Child, child!' cried my mother, kneeling suddenly before me and clasping me in her arms. If I were to lose you, my heart would break!'
I was frightened at the vehement passion of her words, and at the white face upon which my eyes rested; but she grew more composed presently. Then the voice of uncle Bryan was heard at the top of the stairs, calling to us to come up.
'What can we do with our visitor to-night, Emma?' he said, thus indicating that matters had been arranged during our absence.
'She can sleep with me. You won't mind, my dear?'
'I shall like to,' replied Jessie. He's ever so much nicer than he was, although I can't say that he's at all polite.' This referred to uncle Bryan, who made a grimace. 'I couldn't help coming.'
'The least said,' observed uncle Bryan, with all his usual manner upon him, 'the soonest mended, young lady.'
She pursed up her lips: Young lady! That was all very well when we were distant. You may call me something else now, if you like.'