But please
come round where I can see you better." Then, as she stepped to his side,
he threw an arm about her and drew her to his knee.
"But it wasn't left out," she said, shyly returning his fond caress; "I
promised and must keep my word."
"Ah, but if you can't, you can't; how will you obey when you get no
orders?"
"So you don't mean to give me any?"
"No, indeed; I'm your husband, your friend, your protector, your lover,
but not your master."
"Now, Mr. Travilla----"
"I asked you to call me Edward."
"But it seems so disrespectful."
"More so than to remind me of the disparity of our years? or than to
disregard my earnest wish? Then I think I'll have to require the keeping
of the promise in this one thing. Say Edward, little wife, and never again
call me Mr. Travilla when we are alone."
"Well, Edward, I will try to obey; and if I use the wrong word through
forgetfulness you must please excuse it. But ah, I remember papa would say
that was no excuse."
"But I shall not be so strict--unless you forget too often. I have
sometimes thought my friend too hard with his tender-hearted, sensitive
little daughter."
"Don't blame him--my dear, dear father!" she said, low and tremulously,
her face growing grave and almost sad for the moment.
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