Page:The Galaxy, Volume 5.djvu/755

1868.] swing the bells a thousand times every day, but I do not see that the regimen increases my appetite or makes me sleep better. As to the tonic—my soul loathes all manner of bitters. There is nothing the matter with me that will not yield to resolution and common sense—and time. I shall be all right when I get used to things as they are," she continued, with feverish rapidity, as she marked his doubtful look. "I need discipline, hardening, tempering! If father and Euna would rate me soundly for my folly and childishness, the counter-irritant would brace my system. I should need no other medicine. But they won't, unfortunately!"

She was laughing now, but not with her native glee. Orrin's scrutiny—serious and tender—was prolonged until her eyes sank, and a blush of the lost color tinged her temples.

A sigh escaped him as he relinquished the fingers he had held, apparently unconscious of his action, during her voluble explanation, and walked twice through the apartment.

"My coming was timely!" he said, drawing a chair to her side. "Dear child! your life is too precious to be wasted in unavailing regrets. Your peace of mind is dear to too many to be wrecked by morbid musings. Don't think me harsh! You should have more to engage your time and thoughts than the routine of occupation and amusement appointed to you here; should see more of the world than that portion of it which is bounded by these mountains. You would starve upon what satisfies Eunice. Duty to be performed—duty done—fill the measure of her earthly desires. Your nature and your intellect demand a larger sphere—wider range for your mind, and more food for your heart. You are dying of inanition, and you do not know it."

She shook her head wilfully.

"The trouble lies back of that. I have been pampered, housed, petted, until nerve and muscle, mental and spiritual, are gone. I need a stimulant, but a moral one."

"What if I supply it in the guise of a German course, seasoned with unsparing admonition whenever you are indolent or careless?" he returned, more lightly.

Then he unfolded his programme for her winter, expatiating upon the varied and substantial benefits she would derive from the proposed visit, until she was not only reconciled to the prospect of leaving home, but ready and hopeful with her consent to do as he desired.

"Mrs. Baxter knows nothing of—has heard no rumors?" she asked, in shy anxiety.

Orrin forbore to look at her burning face.

"Of your engagement? Hamilton is in profound ignorance on that subject. Roy knows how to keep his own counsel—and so do I. You need be under no embarrassment on that score."

"I am happy to learn that Mrs. Baxter is warm-hearted and sincere," she said, again, having put him through a searching catechism upon that lady's characteristics. "I was prepossessed in her favor, not from her letter alone, but because she knew and loved my mother. My sister has been a dear and careful parent to me. You have seen what my father's tender indulgence is. But the care of my heart has ached for my mother—my own beautiful mother—ever since she died. I was not quite five years old, yet I recollect her as if I had kissed her for the last time yesterday. My father had this oriel built to please her. I re-