Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 1.djvu/312

300 drawings and aiding her with my critical observations and advice, at her particular desire. But in spite of my efforts to remain composed my attention wandered from the drawings to the merry group, and against my better judgment my wrath rose, and doubtless, my countenance lowered; for Milicent, observing that I must be tired of her daubs and scratches, begged I would join the company now, and defer the examination of the remainder to another opportunity. But while I was assuring her that I had no wish to join them, and was not tired, Mr. Huntingdon himself came up to the little round table at which we sat.

"Are these yours?" said he, carelessly taking up one of the drawings.

"No, they are Miss Hargrave's."

"Oh! well, let's have a look at them."

And, regardless of Miss Hargrave's protestations, that they were not worth looking at, he drew a chair to my side, and receiving the drawings, one by one from my hand, successively