Page:Bianca, or, The Young Spanish Maiden (Toru Dutt).djvu/5

268 shoulder, She knew it was her father’s. A thrill of unknown pleasure she felt at this touch. He had never caressed her; Inez had been his favourite. He loved both his daughters, but Inez with her childlike grace, her utter dependence on him, her caressing ways, had been his best-loved; Bianca although younger, was so grave, so sedate, so womanly, so independent, that he looked on her as his counsellor; sometimes even he would ask her advice in some important matter; “she was his right hand;“ he would say, “as good as a son to him; beneath her girl’s boddice beat a heart as bold as any man’s; beneath her wavy curls was a head as sharp and intelligent as any mathematician’s.” Inez was the being to whom both were devoted; father and sister worshipped Inez. Sometimes Bianca felt a pang when she saw her father pass his hand on his eldest daughter’s shoulder; or, but this was very rarely, for M. Garcia was not a demonstrative man, kiss her on the cheek. “After all, he loves Inez best,” Bianca would think awake in her bed; “and is not that right? Inez wants to be looked after; she is so loving; no wonder he loves her best. I should not be jealous; I am strong; I can take care of myself.” During Inez’s illness no mother could have been a better nurse than young Bianca was. It was a wonder how she would keep awake three or four nights running; she never left the house even for a walk; sometimes she would go out to buy some grapes or pears,—Inez was so fond of fruits.” Much-loving, much-loved Inez!

M. Garcia rose at last. “Come Bianca, she is at peace now.” They both went out; she took him to the parlour; and gave him the cup of tea. He did not take further notice of her; he was looking at the stars. After a pause, lie said, half to himself. “But last tuesday, she was with us, and now beyond the stars! How strange it all seems.” A silence. Presently she said quietly, “your tea is getting cold, father, drink it.” He did so, and pushed the cup towards her; she filled it again. “I tis refreshing” he said. They remained silent for the space of about two hours engrossed in thought. Bianca coughed several times while both were so absorbed. “Have you got