Then with what a great storm of embraces Adèle parted from Rose! A parting only for a month, perhaps: both knew that. But the friendship of young girls can build a week into a monstrous void. God bless their dear hearts, and, if the wish be not wicked, keep them always as fresh!
Phil, who is a sturdy and somewhat timid lover, without knowing it, affects an air of composure, and says,—
"I hope you'll have a good time, Adèle; and I suppose you'll forget us all here in Ashfield."
"No, you don't suppose any such thing, Mister Philip," says Adèle, roundly, and with a frank, full look at him that makes the color come to his face; and he laughs, but not easily.
"Well, good bye, Adèle."
She takes his hand, eagerly.
"Good bye, Phil; you 're a dear, good fellow; and you've been very kind to me."
Possibly there may have been a little water gathering in her eye as she spoke. It is certain that the upper lip of Phil trembled as he strolled away. After walking a few paces out of sight and hearing, snapping his fingers nervously the while, he used some bad interjectional language, which we shall express more moderately.
"Hang it, I'm sorry, deused sorry! I didn't think I liked her so."
----Walking, with head down, snapping those fingers of his,—past his own gate a long way, (though it is full dinner hour,)—mumbling again,—