"Little barbarian!" he exclaimed, "what do you mean by such usage?"
"I mean to waken you, Cornelius."
"And why so?" he asked, to obtain that second's delay which is so delightful to the sleeper.
"Oh, Cornelius! how can you ask? Must you not work to become a great artist, paint fine pictures, and become famous?"
"Very true!" he exclaimed, starting up; "thank you, Daisy, you are a faithful friend." And in rising, he passed his arm around my neck and kissed me. But even as he did so, I saw his glance light suddenly; I turned round, Miriam was standing on the threshold of the open door looking at us. I sighed: my three weeks' happiness was over.
CHAPTER XIII.
Cornelius received Miriam with a flushed brow and eager look that betrayed the joy of his heart. And yet with what indolent calmness she let him clasp her hand in his, and stood in the centre of the room, looking at him with an abstracted smile! In answer to his eager inquiries she composedly answered—
"Yes, my aunt is better and I am quite well. Just arrived? no—I came back this morning."
"And I never knew it!"
"And never guessed it from not receiving the letter! I am come up to scold you. Your sister says you take no rest."