“You see, I am obeying your commands,” he said, glancing with a smile toward the cradle.
“I’m glad to see you can profit by good example,” she said. “I fancied you were neglecting your duty, and so came to remind you of it. But it’s all right. I made a mistake, I see.”
The next morning, at daybreak, Paulina was astir, and preparing to set out. She went to rouse the stranger, whom she found still fast asleep on the settle.
“Awake, awake! It is time we were off,” she said, as she shook him by the shoulder.
“How now!” exclaimed the man, angrily, as he half-started up, half-opened his eyes, and looked around him in surprise.
“It is a fine morning. The snow has ceased. We ought to be on our way. Come! up with you!” said the child.
“It is too early,—by and by,—another hour’s rest,” muttered the man, as he let himself fall back upon the settle.
“I can’t afford to wait an hour longer,” said Paulina. “If you prefer another hour’s sleep to my guidance, stay behind. But, take my word; you had much better go with me through the wood. Remember how you lost yourself yesterday. Well, what say you? Decide at once; for I am in a hurry to be off.”
“Since you will have it so,—I suppose I must,” said the man, yawning, stretching, and rising reluctantly. “But what a terrible tyrant you are, my little protectress.”