The delicate hand held out by Gerald was as unlike as possible to the brown puggy paws of his cousins, but he entreated still 'Don't let them have my lasso, Chérie. It's grass, and Fernan gave it me!'
'I'll come, Gerald dear, I'll get them some whipcord—I must go back to the people; I hope they'll soon be merciful and go—Oh! the heart's joy of having seen those two!—Yes, dear boy, I'm coming, I'll take care they don't take it away.'
'Cherry and her master!' said Bernard.
'Blissful bondage,' said Felix. 'Have you seen them all yet, Fulbert? No—where's Angel?'
'Little Pryde has chopped his finger with a reap-hook, and she's gone off with Miss Bridget to see about it,' returned Clement. 'Suppose we walk and meet them, Ful—Felix will have his talk with Mr. Audley.'
And Robina and Bernard departed to the game, while Felix led his friend into the study, saying in exultation, 'Our Cherry looks a heartier woman than ever we expected, does she not?'
'Wonderfully improved. I only wish I could say the same of you! Is this the effect of the accident?' as Felix, having placed an arm-chair for Mr. Audley, subsided into his manifestly invalid resting place.
'I believe so. But how about your eyes?'
'That is what I cannot tell. They have mended since I have given up reading or writing, but I durst not accept the Bishopric till I knew whether they would be serviceable.'
'Albertstown?'