Without waiting for my reply, he hastily left me and entered the house.




CHAPTER V.


Four weeks elapsed ere Richard's return. During his absence Mr. Bristed
showed his sympathy for my lonely situation by many little attentions;
sending up to the school-room, now and then, choice fruit from his
hot-house, or a bouquet of conservatory flowers, and, several times in
the early evening, he sent for me to read aloud to him.

I found him to be a quiet, polished gentleman; and I grew to like him,
and to look for his tokens of kindness after my daily labors with growing
interest, and, if they came not, to feel disappointed and unhappy. He had
travelled much and could talk well, and under the influence of a
sympathetic listener, his countenance lit up with kindly emotion, and the
sad lines of his face disappeared beneath a happy smile.

But in the glowing midsummer his truant brother returned, and my new-born
interest vanished like snow before the harvest sun.

Again Mr. Richard exerted his varied powers to fascinate and amuse me.
Again I listened, and struggled, as formerly, against his wiles, and
finally bent a too willing ear to his soft words of praise and
admiration. With secret pleasure I reveled in his ardent language,
hugging to my heart the belief that I was loved.