She found a kind comforter, who led her to the higher sources of
consolation, feeling all the time the deep self-accusation with which
the sight of sweet childish penitence must always inspire a grown
person.
"And now you will not fear to tell your aunt," he added, "only it should
be when you can mention it without such sad crying."
"Telling you is almost as good as telling her," said Rose, "and I
feel safe with you," she added, caressingly drawing his arm round her.
"Please tell Aunt Ermine, for my crying does give her such a headache."
"I will, then, and I think when we all know it, the terrors will leave
you."
"Not when I see Mr. Maddox. Oh, please now you know why, don't make me
walk without you. I do know now that he could not do anything to me, but
I can't help feeling the fright. And, oh! if he was to speak to me!"
"You have not seen him here before?"
"Yes I have, at least I think so. Once when Aunt Ermine sent me to the
post-office, and another time on the esplanade. That is why I can't
bear going out without you or Aunt Ailie. Indeed, it is not disliking
Tibbie."
"I see it is not, my dear, and we will say no more about it till you
have conquered your alarm; but remember, that he is not likely to know
you again. You must be more changed in these three years than he is."
This consideration seemed to reassure Rose greatly, and her next inquiry
was, "Please, are my eyes very red for going home?"
"Somewhat mottled--something of the York and Lancaster rose. Shall I
leave you under Tibbie's care till the maiden blush complexion returns,
and come back and fetch you when you have had a grand exhibition of my
Indian curiosities?"
"Have you Indian curiosities! I thought they were only for ladies?"
"Perhaps they are. Is Tibbie guard enough? You know there's an Irish
sergeant in the house taller than I am, if you want a garrison?"
"Oh, I am not afraid, only these eyes."
"I will tell her you have been frightened, and she shall take no
notice."
Tibbie was an admirer of Rose and gladly made her welcome, while the
Colonel repaired to Ermine, and greatly startled her by the disclosure
of the miseries that had been inflicted on the sensitive child.
It had indeed been known that there had been tyranny in the nursery,
and to this cause the aunts imputed the startled wistful expression in
Rose's eyes; but they had never questioned her, thinking that silence
would best wear out the recollection. The only wonder was that her
senses had not been permanently injured by that night of terror, which
accounted for her unconquerable dread of sleeping in the dark; and a
still more inexplicable horror of the Zoological Gardens, together
with many a nervous misery that Ermine had found it vain to combat.
The Colonel asked if the nurse's cruelty had been the cause of her
dismissal?