He was thinking, 'I will not be daunted from doing as I choose by

the thought of her. I like to take this fruit to the poor mother,

and it is simply right that I should. She shall never scorn me

out of doing what I please. A pretty joke, indeed, if, for fear

of a haughty girl, I failed in doing a kindness to a man I liked

I do it for Mr. Hale; I do it in defiance of her.' He went at an unusual pace, and was soon at Crampton. He went

upstairs two steps at a time, and entered the drawing-room before

Dixon could announce him,--his face flushed, his eyes shining

with kindly earnestness. Mrs. Hale lay on the sofa, heated with

fever. Mr. Hale was reading aloud. Margaret was working on a low

stool by her mother's side. Her heart fluttered, if his did not,

at this interview. But he took no notice of her, hardly of Mr.

Hale himself; he went up straight with his basket to Mrs. Hale,

and said, in that subdued and gentle tone, which is so touching

when used by a robust man in full health, speaking to a feeble

invalid-'I met Dr. Donaldson, ma'am, and as he said fruit would be good

for you, I have taken the liberty--the great liberty of bringing

you some that seemed to me fine.' Mrs. Hale was excessively

surprised; excessively pleased; quite in a tremble of eagerness.

Mr. Hale with fewer words expressed a deeper gratitude.

'Fetch a plate, Margaret--a basket--anything.' Margaret stood up

by the table, half afraid of moving or making any noise to arouse

Mr. Thornton into a consciousness of her being in the room. She

thought it would be awkward for both to be brought into conscious

collision; and fancied that, from her being on a low seat at

first, and now standing behind her father, he had overlooked her

in his haste. As if he did not feel the consciousness of her

presence all over, though his eyes had never rested on her!

'I must go,' said he, 'I cannot stay. If you will forgive this

liberty,--my rough ways,--too abrupt, I fear--but I will be more

gentle next time. You will allow me the pleasure of bringing you

some fruit again, if I should see any that is tempting. Good

afternoon, Mr. Hale. Good-bye, ma'am.' He was gone. Not one word: not one look to Margaret. She believed

that he had not seen her. She went for a plate in silence, and

lifted the fruit out tenderly, with the points of her delicate

taper fingers. It was good of him to bring it; and after

yesterday too!




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