So Nellie gave a light spring, and found herself in a deep shady nook, with lovely ferns growing in the greatest profusion, broken stones lying scattered about, and that indescribable smell which belongs to verdant damp vegetation. The sound of trickling water added to the charm, and Nellie uttered an exclamation of delight.
"It is lovely, isn't it?" said Wilmot, looking up in her face. "It seems to quiet the soul, and lead one far away from the turmoil of life."
"Yes; I was thinking so," she answered.
"I was almost wishing I could stay here always; and then I remembered that it would be but a poor life after all, Miss Arundel."
"Yes; and I believe that all those wishes of ours come from a discontented spirit."
"I daresay they do; and instead of wishing something impossible, we should rather delight that the great Maker of all things gives these lovely bits of nature to refresh us."
"Is it good water?" asked Nellie, stooping and putting her hand in.
"Oh dear, yes. See, I have brought this glass to fill for the others. Will you have some first?"
"How beautifully cool," she exclaimed.
"Here you are!" called George Elliot from above. "Are you never coming with the water?"