Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 1.djvu/143

Rh you startle me so?" said she, somewhat testily, "I hate anybody to come upon me so unexpectedly."

"Why, what did you take me for?" said I, "if I had known you were so nervous, I would have been more cautious; but—"

"Well, never mind. What did you come for? are they all coming?"

"No; this little ledge could scarcely contain them all."

"I'm glad, for I'm tired of talking."

"Well then, I won't talk. I'll only sit and watch your drawing."

"Oh, but you know I don't like that."

"Then I'll content myself with admiring this magnificent prospect."

She made no objection to this; and, for some time, sketched away in silence. But I could not help stealing a glance, now and then, from the splendid view at our feet to the elegant white hand that held the pencil, and the graceful neck and glossy raven curls that drooped over the paper.