"I wish you would not think about it, Mr. Carlisle! It is nothing to care about at all. I was speaking to Dr. Cairnes as a clergyman."
"You shall not call me Mr. Carlisle. Say that over again, Eleanor."
"It is nothing to think twice about, Mr. Macintosh."
"You were speaking to Dr. Cairnes as a clergyman?" he said laughing. "How was that? I can think but of one way in which Dr. Cairnes' profession concerns you and me—was it on that subject, Eleanor?"
"No, no. It was only—I was only going to ask him a religious question that interested me."
"A religious question! Was it that which made you unhappy?"
"Yes, if you will have it. I knew you would not like it."
"I don't like it; and I will not have it," said he. "You, my little Eleanor, getting up a religious uneasiness! that will never do. You, who are as sound as a nut, and as sweet as a Cape jessamine! I shall prove your best counsellor. You have not had rides enough over the moor lately. We will have an extra gallop to-morrow;—and after Christmas I will take care of you. What were you uneasy about?"
"Don't Robert!" said Eleanor,—"do not ask me any more about it. I do not want you to laugh at me."
"Laugh at you!" he said. "I should like to see anybody else do that! but I will, as much as I like. Do you know you are a darling? and just as lovely in mind as you are in person. Do not you have any questions with the old priest; I do not like it; come to me with your difficulties, and I will manage them for you. Was that all, Eleanor?"