Amy had always hitherto felt in a certain degree afraid of showing any affection to Dora—her manner was in general so cold, that she never knew how far it would be returned; but the sight of her present distress was quite sufficient to overcome every feeling of the kind, and, putting her arm round her cousin's neck, she said very gently, "But he is so happy now."
Dora hid her face in her hands, and did not answer for several minutes; at last, rousing herself with a great effort, she said, "Amy, I am very cross to you sometimes."
"Oh no!" replied Amy, "don't think about that; you know we are all cross occasionally."
"He was never cross to any one," said Dora, in a voice so low, that it sounded as if she were speaking to herself.
"Miss Morton told me how good and kind he was," replied Amy, "and how miserable you were when he was taken ill."
"Did she?" exclaimed Dora, with interest; "I did not know she ever thought about me."
"Oh Dora! indeed, I am sure she does think about you a great deal, and would love you very much, if——"
"If what? why should you be afraid of speaking out?"
"If you would love her," continued Amy, hesitatingly.
"It would be no use if I did," replied Dora; "she is as cold as a stone to every one but Rose and you, and as proud as a queen."