We discussed them, or rather Cornelius spoke, and I approved unconditionally every word he uttered, until, to our common astonishment, the clock struck eleven. As he bade me good-night, Cornelius laid his hand on my head, and said, admiringly—
"You clever little thing to have thought of it! no wonder I am fond of you; but do you know you will have to dress in rags, like a poor little drudge?"
"As if I minded it, Cornelius!" I quickly replied.
He smiled and kissed me very kindly. I went up to my room, to be as restless and wakeful with joy as I had not so long ago been with bitter grief.
Early the next morning I stole up to the studio. Cornelius was already at work; he never looked round as I entered, but observed, with a smile—
"So you have at length found your way up here?"
I did not answer.
"What kept you away so long?" he continued.
"I thought you did not want me."
"Did I ever want you?"