Min looked at Edward. “It isn’t you,” she said, “’cause Linnie isn’t here.”
“Ah! a cat out of the bag!” said the doctor, noticing the vivid reddening of the young man’s fair face.
“And it isn’t you, auntie, ’cause you don’t like Paul’s kisses.”
“Oh, but I do, Minnie. I have found out how sweet they are,” replied Clara, archly.
“Well, you were a long time finding out,” said the spoiled pet, changing her place to Paul’s lap.
It was difficult to get Min back to bed, but the promise of a ride with Paul the next day finally proved a sufficient inducement. Edward left soon after Min, but it was some time after midnight when the doctor took his hat to go. Clara handed Paul his.
“What!” exclaimed the doctor. “You to be sent away, Paul? That is wrong.” Susie wickedly confirmed the sentiment, but Paul, noticing a kind of distress in Clara’s face, said, as he held her a moment in his arms, “We do not recognize rights, dearest. All the events of this evening, so crowded upon each other, have quite unstrung your nerves. See, doctor, how cold her hands are!”
“Well,” said the doctor, taking his daughter’s hand, “you are right—right, I mean, in leaving all things to her; but you know how instinctively women cling to precedents. You may find this a dangerous one.”
“I have no fears,” replied Paul, embracing Clara tenderly. “Does she not love me? and is not love sure to respond to love’s needs? Her desire is mine always.”