'Oh yes, I know,' said Jasper. 'She's a horrid, detestable girl.'
'There, you hear him,' said the Duke. 'I thought so myself; but if a poor worm can help to pull her round, why, that worm shall come and do her duty. Bring her along with you, Jasper, my boy.'
Thus it happened, to the astonishment of the unhappy school, that young Jasper Constable arrived on the scene, took Leucha roughly by the hand, gave her a look of the most unutterable contempt, and told her to come away at once.
Nobody interfered, for nobody was doing her ordinary work that day in the school; and on their way between the Palace of the Kings and The Paddock, Jasper had the pleasure of giving Leucha a piece of his mind. He did it with all his boyish wrath.
'She asked to kiss you, and you refused. She wonders now on her deathbed whether you 'll still refuse.'
'Oh Jasper, have pity on me—have pity! I 'm in agony,' said Leucha; but neither Jasper nor the Duke of Ardshiel had any pity to spare for Leucha. She was, however, by order of the doctors, who remained to see the effect, allowed to enter the spacious sickroom where Hollyhock was lying.
Hollyhock felt confused. She did not recognise her father or Jasper or Aunt Cecilia, and she was not in the least put out by the great doctors; but when Leucha entered, a quick and quieting change came over her face.
'Well, Leuchy, perhaps you'll kiss me now,' she muttered; and Leucha knelt down by her bedside and kissed her softly, gently, tears pouring from her eyes.
'Oh Holly, Holly, I love you, I love you,' sobbed Leuchy; 'I love you!'
'Gently, gently; that's enough, my lass,' said Sir Alexander. 'Don't cry, or make a fuss, but sit softly by her, and if she asks for another kiss, why, give it; but no tears, mind.'