“I give you,” he continued, “the love and care of a father, but I expect a return.”
“What? I don’t mind. I have two diamonds—beauties. You shall have them to make into studs; you shall, because I—yes, I love you.”
“I don’t want your diamonds, my little girl, but I want other things—your love and your obedience. I want you, if you like me, and if you like your Aunt Frances, and if you like your cousin, to follow in our steps, for we have been brought up to approve of courteous manners and quiet dress and gentle speech; and I want that brain of yours, Evelyn, to be educated to high and lofty thoughts. I want you to be a grand woman, worthy of your father, and I expect this return from you for all that I am going to do for you.”
“Are you going to teach me your own self?” asked Evelyn.
“You can come to me sometimes for a talk, but it is impossible for me to be your instructor. You will have a suitable governess.”
“Jasper knows a lot of things. Perhaps she could teach both Audrey and me. She might if you paid her well. She has got some awfully poor relations; she must have lots of money, poor Jasper must.”
“Well, dear, leave me now. We will talk of your education and who is to instruct you, and all about Jasper too, within a few days. You have got to see the place and to make Audrey’s acquaintance; and there are some young friends coming to the Castle for a week. Altogether, you have arrived at a gay time. Now run away, find your cousin, and make yourself happy.”
Squire Wynford rose as he spoke, and taking Evelyn’s hand, he led her to the door. He opened the door wide for her, and saw her go out, and then he kissed his hand to her and closed the door again.
“Poor little mite!” he said to himself. “As strange a child as I ever saw, but with Frank’s eyes.”