Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 1.djvu/108

96 always follow and trudge beside him—not so much, I believe, to ensure his safe conduct, as to see that I instilled no objectionable notions into his infant mind; for she was ever on the watch, and never would allow him to be taken out of her sight. What pleased her best of all, was to see him romping and racing with Sancho, while I walked by her side—not, I fear, for love of my company (though I sometimes deluded myself with that idea,) so much as for the delight she took in seeing her son thus happily engaged in the enjoyment of those active sports, so invigorating to his tender frame, yet so seldom exercised for want of playmates suited to his years; and, perhaps, her pleasure was sweetened, not a little, by the fact of my being with her instead of with him; and therefore,—incapable of doing him any injury directly or indirectly, designedly or otherwise—small thanks to her for that same.

But sometimes, I believe, she really had some little gratification in conversing with me; and