"Please remember," she said, in a low voice, "that he is my father."
"Do you love him for that, simply because you are told it is your duty?"
"I hope I do," she answered very low. "But I cannot love him as I loved her—my mother."
"Well, you will leave him some day, of course, and will find some one who will appreciate you better. Tell me, Miss Laline—have you any sweethearts in the town?"
She opened her dark eyes wide and laughed.
"Dear, no!" she answered, without the least hesitation. "How should I have time for such things? I am always busy, you know."
"Spoiling your pretty hands with rough housework!"
"Ah, but I remember what you said the other day, and am going to take great care of my nails. And mother always taught me to wear gloves in housework."
"Don't you sometimes want to go back to England?"
Such a transfiguration took place in her face at the words! Her eyes shone, her cheeks flushed, her lips quivered.