"You thank me for that?"
"Yes, Cornelius, it has made me so happy."
"I am glad to hear it, though I did not mean it."
"Did you not?" I replied, rather mortified.
"No," he continued, in an indifferent tone, "not at all. It is true there was once a little girl who used not to be shy and distant with me"—I drew a little nearer—"who would not speak to me standing, but sitting by my side"—I sat down by him—"and whom I used to call my child," continued Cornelius without looking at me; "and it is also true," he added in the same way, "that feeling rather dull, I thought one morning I would go and bring her home; but if there was any kindness in this, I cannot say I meant it all for her or for Kate."
He turned round, smiling as he spoke. I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him eagerly. I felt so happy; he laughed.
"Poor Kate!" he said, gaily, "well may she object to being hung on after this fashion; but I am used to it."
"If you had not spoken so, you know I should not," I replied, half offended.
"No, you sulky little thing," he said almost indignantly, "I know you would not: what between obstinacy and pride, you would never give in. But you mistook, Daisy, if you thought you could make me fancy you preferred Kate to me."
"As if I was not sure you knew better!" I answered, with the frank ingratitude of my years.