And what about the guardianship, Hazel?
The girl was in that state when to withstand or to bear seems equally difficult: there is no strength for either; and the colour which flitted over her face at his demonstrations was less of shyness than of intense feeling. It all went now, at his words.
I thought, she said (the words came too quick, but she could not help it) that you had resigned, Mr. Rollo.
Rollo got the other hand into his keeping, and merely inquired in the same tone what she wanted him to do?
I used to want you to trust me. But it would not be any use now.
Rollos lips touched her hand again, both hands. What about the guardianship, Hazel? he repeated, with a glow and sparkle of the gray eyes, which yet had an odd veil of softness over them. But a man will be a man. I am afraid Rollo was smiling at the same time.
If anything could be called clear in Hazels mind, at that minute of supreme and universal confusion, it was, that belonging to somebody was getting to be much more than an idea. And that Mr. Rollo should merely pay her the compliment of requesting to have the fact put in words, might be highly characteristic on his part, but was not exactly composing on hers. How could she think, or speak, without even one hand free? And droop her head as she might, what could the soft falling hair do, but touch up the beautiful flushes which Hazel felt, if she did not see? Her words, when they came, went to a very self-evident point.
Butif you wanted itwhy did you give it up?
Give upwhat? came with undoubted astonishment from
Rollos lips.
You stayed away said the girl, under her breath.