Page:Bianca, or, The Young Spanish Maiden (Toru Dutt).djvu/39

374 ears. She looked very pale and thin, but a quiet happy smile came on her lips when her father entered. "Why! Up and dressed already, Bianca!” He exclaimed. "I was too weak to dress, father, so I put on this dressing-gown." "There is somebody waiting outside to see you." "The doctor?" "Mieux que ça. Somebody who loves you a good dea1 and whom you love too." "Ah! I have heard it all from Martha, father. It’s aunt Dorothy." "Mieux que ça." Said he laughing; the person is much taller than aunt Dorothy, and somewhat dearer, I take it; his name begins with an M." A faint flush came into the pale cheeks. "You have guessed at last, I see" Said Garcia, laughing.—"Come in, Henry." She turned her eyes towards the door. Lord Moore came in, took her hand in his, and stooping down kissed her on the forehead. She glanced up hastily at her father, with a frightened look in her eyes. "Ay, ay; let the lad kiss you, child; there's no harm in it now. Give her another kiss, lad, to reassure her." And he laughed but his eyes were wet. She shrank away so timidly at her father’s words, that Lord Moore, only smiled gravely to encourage her. He had her hand in his and he looked at the white thin fingers sadly, as they lay against his own strong ones. "You must be quick and get well, Bianca," said her father, "look Henry is regarding with sorrow your thin little hands; you must pick up flesh, and get strong again." "Yes,father." Then after a pause. "Do you like my lord, now father?" She asked anxiously, "Not a bit, Bianca;" said Garcia, as he placed his hand on Lord Moore's shoulder; who smiled. "But I suppose I must bring myself to like him, since you love him so much, child." She glanced at him and seeing he was jesting, made him sit beside her and took his hand in hers. "Father; you are very good." And the tears came into her eyes. "Now don't cry;. or you'll be ill again; I shall go and bring you your breakfast. Henry shall keep you company, till I return; and mind no tears or excitement," and with that he went out. She followed him fondly with her eyes, till he shut the door after him, then she looked at Lord Moore. "Father is very good, my lord." She said simply. "Yes,Bianca.” His