"
So passed my first lesson in deception, but I schooled lip and eye to
obedience, so that Franklin suspected nothing, and, being a discreet
servant, who never let his right hand know what his left was doing,
especially when gold crossed the palm, I was sure of silence on the
subject, at least until after my own departure.
Mabel and I dined _tete-a-tete_ at two; I had caused dinner to be served
earlier than usual for my own convenience, though indeed I found it a
mere form--for how could I swallow a morsel, choked as I was with grief,
while the fair child I worshipped, yet was forsaking, sat so calmly and
unconsciously in my sight!
After dinner I sought Mrs. Austin, leading Mabel by the hand. I had been
kissing her, almost wildly, every foot of the way up-stairs, and she
gazed on me, I could not help perceiving, with a sort of fond surprise,
for it was not my habit to lavish such passionate caresses, even on her,
without occasion.
"I am obliged to go out now," I said, in a broken voice, which I vainly
tried to command. "Take our darling, Mrs. Austin, and keep her very
safely until I come again. Promise me this!" I added, eagerly seizing
her hand.
"La! Miss Miriam, what's the use of promising for one afternoon, when I
have taken the best of care of her all her life? You act so singularly
to-day!" she added, pettishly, and she began to smooth Mabel's hair,
grumblingly.
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