She looked up at him wistfully, then, as solemnly as if she were taking a vow, she murmured, "I do not know all things, but I think I shall never marry."
Agapit could scarcely contain his delight. He laid a hand on her shoulder, and exclaimed, "My good little cousin!" Then he lighted his pipe and smoked in ecstatic silence.
Rose occupied herself with clearing the things from the table, until a sudden thought struck Agapit. "Leave all that for Célina. Let us take a drive, you and I and the little one. Thou hast been much in the house lately."
"But Mr. Nimmo—will it be kind to leave him?"
"He can come if he will, but thou must also ask madame. Go then, while I harness Toochune."
"I am not ready," said Rose, shrinking back.
"Ready!" laughed Agapit. "I will make thee ready," and he pulled her shawl and handkerchief from a peg near the kitchen door.
"I had the intention of wearing my hat," faltered Rose.
"Absurdity! keep it for mass, and save thy money. Go ask the young man, while I am at the stable."
Rose meekly put on the shawl and the handkerchief, and went to the front of the house.