I saw nothing in the town, almost literally, while we were

making our way through its streets. I was in a breathless

state; my senses could not play, or my mind could receive no

impression from them. It was disappointment and relief too,

when coming to the house where my father and mother lived, we

were told that the family were gone out of town on some

excursion and would not be back till evening. The servants

told us. This was no hotel, but a nice little private house

which my father had hired and where he and my mother were

living entirely at home.

I knew I was at home, as my feet pressed the stairs going up

to the little drawing-room. "At home." Not since we left

Melbourne had the exquisite sensation come over me. It came

now like a subtle perfume, pervading and surrounding

everything. My eyes filled with tears of great joy, as I

mounted the stairs. I would not let Dr. Sandford see them. He,

I knew, felt like anything but crying for joy. He was

certainly very honestly fond of me and of my company, and I

was grateful for it.

The servant led us to a little drawing-room, out of which

another opened; over the simple furniture of which my mother's

hand had thrown a spell of grace. And luxurious enjoyment too;

that belonged to her. A soft rug or two lay here and there; a

shawl of beautiful colour had fallen upon a chair-back;

pictures hung on the walls, - one stood on an easel in a

corner; bits of statuary, bronzes, wood-carvings, trifles of

art, mosaics, engravings, were everywhere; and my mother's

presence was felt in the harmony which subdued and united all

these in one delicious effect. My mother had almost an

Oriental eye for colour and harmony. It was like seeing a bit

of her, to be in her room. I lost my head for a moment,

standing in the middle of the floor; then I turned to Dr.

Sandford.

"Now you are happy," he said, extending his hand - "and I will

leave you."

"No, Dr. Sandford - you will sit down and be happy too."

"You could command me to sit down, undoubtedly; but I am

afraid my happiness is beyond your power."

"I wish it was not!" I said earnestly. "You have been very

good to me, Dr. Sandford."

His face flushed a little and paled, and the eyes which were

so fond of reading other people's seemed now to shun being

read. I could not understand his expression, but it troubled

me.

"Happiness is always beyond other people's power," I said; -

"but not beyond one's own."

"That's your confounded theory!" he answered, bringing the

word out very gingerly and with a little laugh. "I beg ten

thousand pardons, Daisy; but a slight expression of

indignation was an unavoidable indulgence just then. You would

make every one responsible for all the troubles that come upon

him!"




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