She now stood by him, with her hand resting lightly on his fine dark hair, and her eyes seeking his with wistful fondness. He laughed at her last words, laughed and knit his brow as he said-- "The public may break its heart about me, Kate--not that I wish it such a fate, poor thing!--but against the reverse I protest. And now have mercy on your brother, who has heard something about Daisy, and a good deal about painting, but nothing about tea." "Are you hungry?" "Starving." "Poor fellow! I had no idea of it,--I shall see to it myself." She left the room. Her brother remained sitting in the same attitude, a little bent forward, abstractedly gazing at the fire. Then all at once he saw and noticed me, as I sat apart quiet and silent. He beckoned; I approached. "What shall I give you?" "Nothing," was my laconic reply. "But I want to give you something." I hated the idea of my being paid for my secrecy and my punishment. I felt myself reddening as I answered-- "But I don't want anything, Cornelius." "Don't you?" he replied, smiling, and before I knew what he was about, I found myself on the knee and in the arms of Cornelius, who was kissing me merrily. He had never done half as much since I was with him and his sister. My face burned with surprise and delight; he laughed, kissed me again, and said, with the secure smile of conscious power, "Well, what am I to give you?" I was completely subdued; I replied, submissively, "Anything you like, Cornelius." "No, it must be anything you like, and in my power to give. A book, a plaything, a doll, etc." "Anything! may I really ask for anything?" I exclaimed, with sudden animation. "Yes, you may." "Do you really mean it?" "I always mean what I say. Why, child, what can it be? Your eyes sparkle and your cheeks flush. What is it? Speak out." "Let me be with you in the morning when you are drawing." "Is that it?" he said, looking annoyed and surprised. "Yes, Cornelius." "You will have to stay very quiet." "I don't mind that, Cornelius." "You must not speak." "I don't mind that either." "Have something else: a book with pictures." I did not answer. "And I will let you come in now and then." I remained mute. Cornelius saw that what I had asked for, and nothing else, I would have. Again he warned me. "Daisy, you will find it very dull to sit without speaking or moving. I pity you, my poor child." I was shrewd enough to see through his pity. I looked up into his face, and said demurely-- "I shall not mind it, Cornelius." "You will mind nothing to have your way--obstinate little thing!--but I warn you: you must come in without knocking, without saying good morning; you must not move, speak, or go in and out; if you break the agreement once, you lose the privilege for ever." "I shall not break the agreement, Cornelius." "Of course you won't," he said, looking both provoked and amused, "catch me again passing my word to you, Miss Bums."