I was too much stunned to reply at first; when I could speak, my first words were-- "Here it is, Cornelius!" I picked up the sketch from where it had fallen, showed it to him, and enjoyed his surprise. "Oh! you naughty child!" he said, with kind reproof. He sat down again on the couch, made me sit by him, and tenderly pressed his lips on my brow. "I should suggest brown paper and vinegar for a bruise," observed the chilling voice of Miriam. "Are you bruised, my darling?" anxiously asked Cornelius. I laughed, and kissed him. He turned towards Miriam, smiled, and with the generous and imprudent candour of his character, he said-- "I am very fond of that little girl, Miriam." And lest she should doubt it, again he caressed me. She sat at the other angle of the couch with drooping eyelids; I know not if she looked at us, but as the church clock struck three, she said, sweetly-- "Yes, I consider your affection for that child a touching trait in your character, Cornelius." She had never in my presence called him by his name; as she ottered it, I saw his hand seeking hers, which she drew not away. "Cornelius," I said quietly, "it is three o'clock." "I had forgotten all about it," he cried, starting up, and relinquishing the hand of Miriam, who darted at me a covert irritated glance of her green eyes. He went back to his easel; I returned to my books. "Daisy," he said, "you must not study after such a fall." "Let me finish my lessons," I replied eagerly; "you know you have half promised to examine me this evening." "Poor little thing!" kindly said Miriam, "I dare say it is too much study has lately made her look so much more sallow than usual." I felt my face glow. I was sallow; but was I to be ever reminded of it? "Or perhaps it is biliousness," she continued: "her face and hair are almost of the same hue; true that is light, nearly straw-coloured. Be careful, Mr. O'Reilly, do not let her work so much." "Daisy, put by your books," anxiously said Cornelius. "Not to-day," I replied imploringly. "She is so industrious," he said admiringly. "Like all children who cannot rely on the quickness of their perceptions." "Oh! Daisy is very quick," he answered rather hastily; "she has answers that often surprise me." "I should like to be surprised. Do you mind answering a few questions of mine, Daisy?" I did mind. I mistrusted her; I did not want to acknowledge her as an authority, still less to be exposed by her to Cornelius. "Thank you," I replied, "Cornelius is to examine me this evening." "I like to judge for myself," she answered smilingly. I did not reply. "Daisy, did you hear?" said Cornelius. "Yes, Cornelius." "Then why not answer? Do you object to being examined now?" "Not by you." "But, my dear, it is Miss Russell who wishes to question you."