"I am very fond of that little girl, Miriam."
And lest she should doubt it, again he caressed me. She sat at the other angle of the couch with drooping eyelids; I know not if she looked at us, but as the church clock struck three, she said, sweetly—
"Yes, I consider your affection for that child a touching trait in your character, Cornelius."
She had never in my presence called him by his name; as she ottered it, I saw his hand seeking hers, which she drew not away.
"Cornelius," I said quietly, "it is three o'clock."
"I had forgotten all about it," he cried, starting up, and relinquishing the hand of Miriam, who darted at me a covert irritated glance of her green eyes.
He went back to his easel; I returned to my books.
"Daisy," he said, "you must not study after such a fall."
"Let me finish my lessons," I replied eagerly; "you know you have half promised to examine me this evening."
"Poor little thing!" kindly said Miriam, "I dare say it is too much study has lately made her look so much more sallow than usual."