"You naughty child! Will you now obey your good _tante_, or not?"

"Yes, ma'am, I will; but you will keep me posted?"

"Possibly, my boy," bending carelessly over her work.

"Aunt Felicie," he strode up to her with sudden passion.

"Do not answer me so! I am a man, and I love this fisher-lass with all
my heart!"

He had stopped directly before her, and she saw that his face was white
with feeling. Down went the worsted-work, and, rising, she flung both
arms about his neck.

"My Robare, my nephew, my son!" she cried in a choked voice, "I want the
best that earth and heaven can give to you; and you--you do push over my
ambitions, and expect that I will at once be glad and gay."

"But, auntie, you admire her too."

"I do, Robare; she is good and fair to see; but you must of the others
take thought too, and she does need many teachings, dear."

"You'll teach her, auntie?"

"Oh, be quiet, then!" pushing him pettishly away. "Of what use to argue
with a man so enamoured? Go thy Western way; obey me, and I will tell
you every week all that there is to tell. Are you content?"