There was scarcely any such thing as resisting his gay, frank, boyish
appeal; yet Hannah answered coldly:

"Certainly not, Mr. Brudenell, though I fancy you might have found more
attractive company elsewhere. There can be little amusement for you in
sitting there and listening to the flying shuttle or the whirling wheel,
for hours together, pleasant as you might have first thought them."

"Yes, but it will! I shall hear music in the loom and wheel, and see
pictures in the fire," said the young man, settling himself,
comfortable.

Hannah drove her shuttle back and forth with a vigor that seemed to owe
something to temper.

Herman heard no music and saw no pictures; his whole nature was absorbed
in the one delightful feeling of being near Nora, only being near her,
that was sufficient for the present to make him happy. To talk to her
was impossible, even if he had greatly desired to do so; for the music
of which he had spoken made too much noise. He stayed as long as he
possibly could, and then reluctantly arose to leave. He shook hands with
Hannah first, reserving the dear delight of pressing Nora's hand for the
last.

The next day the weather changed again; it was fine; and Herman
Brudenell, as usual, presented himself at the hut; his excuse this time
being that he wished to inquire whether the sisters would not like to
have some repairs put upon the house--a new roof, another door and
window, or even a new room added; if so, his carpenter was even now at
Brudenell Hall, attending to some improvements there, and as soon as he