Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 1.djvu/145

Rh by," I grumbled, "though I had the honour of a much longer acquaintance; but Miss Milward [sic] has the art of conciliating and amusing children," I carelessly added, "if she is good for nothing else."

"Miss Millward has many estimable qualities, which such as you cannot be expected to perceive or appreciate. Will you tell Arthur that I shall come in a few minutes?"

"If that be the case, I will wait, with your permission, till those few minutes are past; and then I can assist you to descend this difficult path."

"Thank you—I always manage best, on such occasions, without assistance."

"But, at least, I can carry your stool and sketchbook."

She did not deny me this favour; but I was rather offended at her evident desire to be rid of me, and was beginning to repent of my pertinacity, when she somewhat appeased me by consulting my taste and judgment about some