I have come back. And I want my sentence.
In a sort of desperation, Hazel gathered up her courage, as if realizing that she was face to face with the one question of her life, where she must risk anything but mistakes.
But, she said,but, Mr. Rollo,you did not mean to want it.
When you stayed away.
He laughed. Look here! said he, I want it now, Hazel. Ill stand all your questions, after you have answered mine.
I think mine come first, she said softly,and something of the sorrow which had hung about the questions crept into her voice. Because, there might beat least, there might have beenthings which I could not explain. And thenas you could doubt me once, you would again. And I could not bear that twice! said Hazel, with a sudden quickness which told more than it meant. Nerve herself as she would, her hands were trembling now.
Rollo was not a man of more than average patience, sometimes. Nevertheless, though sorely tempted, he controlled the desire to give her kisses instead of rebukes, and answered quietly and gravely:
I took your own word once against yourself. I will never do it again, Hazel! So take care what you say to me. Have you nothing to say to me now?
If she had, it was not forthcoming.
About the guardianship, Hazel?
She hesitated a littlenot much; thinking of the face she dared not look at, and which she had scarcely seen for a year; answering then with a grave quietness which again was very like herself, where deep feeling was at work; the girlish voice falling and trembling just a little: