“Just think now, what happens when you find him a little depressed and irritable. Does he dismiss you with a snub as he would one of your brothers? Does he not rather submit to a little gentle coaxing, allow himself to be ‘brought round’ and receive a kiss as a reward?”
“Yes, that is true, certainly,” said she, smiling. “But that has nothing to do with the real value of the help I give him.”
“Oh, but it has. It has, on the contrary, everything to do with it. Instead of complaining that you are a ‘wretched girl’ you must learn to understand that. What the intrinsic value of your services may be I don’t know; but if you had the abilities of a Senior Wrangler they would count for nothing compared with your sympathy and love for him, and your pretty feminine way of showing it. And so, you see, as your tender womanhood is of more consequence to us—I mean to him—than all the fine masculine qualities of your intellect, you must consent to accept the protection we decree that your womanhood needs.”
“Papa doesn’t decree it. He says girls ought to learn to take care of themselves.”
“Will he say so after to-day’s adventure, do you think?”
“I shan’t tell him anything about it.”
“Then I shall, unless you give me your word, like a sensible girl, never to cross these fields alone again.”
“Need you ask that, Mr. Brander?” said the girl, reddening.
“Well, forgive me. I don’t know you well enough to be sure how deep the headstrong vein runs.”
“I am miserably sorry and ashamed to have brought you so far this afternoon.”