for I haven't a foot to move. And don't speak so soft; I can't bear
kindness.'

My father in admonishing her had done it tenderly, I was sure.
Tenderness was the weapon which had wounded her, and so she shrank from
it; and if I had reproached and abused her she might, perhaps, have
obeyed me by coming out, not to return. She was deaf. I kissed my hand
to her regretfully; a condition of spirit gradually dissolved by the
haunting phantom of her forehead and mouth crumpling up for fresh floods
of tears. Had she concealed that vision with her handkerchief, I might
have waited to see her before I saw my father. He soon changed the set
of the current.

'Our little Mabel here,' he said, 'is an inflammable puss, I fear. By
the way, talking of girls, I have a surprise for you. Remind me of it
when we touch Ostend. We may want a yacht there to entertain high
company. I have set inquiries afloat for the hire of a schooner. This
child Mabel can read and write, I suppose? Best write no letters, boy.
Do not make old Dipwell a thorny bed. I have a portrait to show you,
Richie. A portrait! I think you will say the original was worthy of
more than to be taken up and thrown away like a weed. You see, Richie,
girls have only one chance in the world, and good God! to ruin that--no,
no. You shall see this portrait. A pretty little cow-like Mabel, I
grant you. But to have her on the conscience! What a coronet to wear!
My young Lord Destrier--you will remember him as one of our guests here;
I brought him to make your acquaintance; well, he would not be
scrupulous, it is possible. Ay, but compare yourself with him, Richie!
and you and I, let us love one another and have no nettles.'

He flourished me away to London, into new spheres of fancy. He was