“‘I think you may as well sleep while I am gone,’ she said, ‘to keep you out of mischief.’ To my surprise the little fellow dropped down by the side of the block and appeared to be asleep in a minute. He slept until she returned from her ride, when she awakened him, and they both came in together.�
“You don’t think there is any harm in it? It will not hurt Robbie?� asked Mrs. Wylie anxiously. “I have learned to rely upon her so completely.�
“Perhaps not, though I have heard that it weakens the will to be frequently mesmerized. But we’ll hope she does not abuse her power.�
“Really, Mark, I believe I obey Tibby myself. We have never disagreed upon anything yet, that I did not yield, I am sure. And when I have a headache she can sooth it away with her touch.�
“Tibby has a very positive character. I fancy Donald is interested in her already.�
“Donald! Why, I thought they told me he was fond of Esther McCleary.�
Mark smiled.
“I do not know—possibly. Meanwhile, have I your permission to talk with your protege on the subject of mesmeric influences?�
“Most assuredly, or upon any other subject. But really, Mark, isn’t there something uncanny about a person possessed of such power?�
Again Mark smiled.