“It is far better to dwell in peace in such a quiet and lonely place as this, than to be where so many cruel men abide,” said William, pondering.
“Ah me! I did not think that Christian men could be so cruel,” said Mary, a bright tear dropping from her long eyelash.
“But the book says he was a tyrant and deserved to die,” continued the youth, his lips compressed with firmness.
“He’s coming!” exclaimed Mary, suddenly, and the pitying thought of the unfortunate Charles vanished from her mind. But as she steadily gazed up the path a crimson flush suffused her smooth brow and cheek, and she rose gracefully, and with a smile of delight, welcomed Glenn to the cool and refreshing shade of the majestic elm.
“You have come too late. William has already said his lesson, and I’m sure he knew it perfectly,” said Mary, half-reproachfully and half-playfully.
“Mary don’t know, Mr. Glenn; because I am now further advanced than she is,” said William.
“But what kept you away so long this beautiful morning?” continued the innocent girl. “Don’t you see the dew is almost dried away in the sun, and the morning-glories are nearly all closed?”
“I was lingering in the garden among the delicate flowers you gave me Mary; and the green and golden humming-birds charmed me so that I could not tear myself away,” replied our hero, as he sat down between the brother and sister.
“I shall go with brother William on the cliff and get some wild roses and hare-bells, and then all your humming-birds will leave you and stay here with me,” said Mary, smiling archly.
“But you will be the prettiest bird among them, and flower too, to my eyes,” said Glenn, gazing at the clear and brilliant though laughing eyes of the pleased girl.