'
Martyn began to stammer with indignation, and I thought it time to
interfere; so I called the little maid, and gravely explained the
facts, adding that poor Clarence's punishment had been terrible, but
that he was doing his best to make up for what was past; and that,
as to anything he might have told, though he might be mistaken, he
never said anything NOW but what he believed to be true. She raised
her brown eyes to mine full of gravity, and said, 'I DO like him.'
Moreover, I privately made Martyn understand that if he told her
what had been said about the white-satin lady, he would never be
forgiven; the others would be sure to find it out, and it might
shorten their stay.
That was a dreadful idea, for the presence of those two creatures,
to say nothing of their parents, was an unspeakable charm and
novelty to us all. We all worshipped the elder, and the little one
was like a new discovery and toy to us, who had never been used to
such a presence. She was not a commonplace child; but even if she
had been, she would have been as charming a study as a kitten; and
she had all the four of us at her feet, though her mother was
constantly protesting against our spoiling her, and really kept up
so much wholesome discipline that the little maid never exceeded the
bounds of being charming to us. After that explanation there was
the same sweet wistful gentleness in her manner towards Clarence as
she showed to me; while he, who never dreamt of such a child knowing
his history was brighter and freer with her than with any one else,
played with her and Martyn, and could be heard laughing merrily with
them.
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