I rose submissively.
"I shall not do it again, Cornelius," I said, as I stood before him; "are there other things I do, and which you think foolish?"
"I did not say so."
"Because if there are," I continued, earnestly, "and I should do them in company, for instance, you will only have to say, 'Daisy!' in that way, I shall be sure to understand."
"Nonsense!" he interrupted, reddening.
"Indeed, Cornelius, it is no nonsense: I could understand even a look; I am so accustomed to your face. Have I not been with you nearly three years?"
"That will never do, never!" exclaimed Cornelius, seeming more and more uncomfortable, and stroking his chin with half puzzled, half sorrowful air; "but there is no help for it," he added more firmly; "come here, child."
He drew me on his knee as he spoke.
"But you said it was foolish!" I said, surprised.
"As a habit; not for once."