'
'But of course,' said she, 'this is quite a secret about the precious
stones. My father enjoined me to tell no one, because the temptation
to people is so great, and the cottage might be robbed, or I might be
waylaid going to London. But of course I may tell you; he never
thought of _you_.'
'No, Winnie, he never thought of me. You are very fond of him; very
fond of your father, are you not?'
'Oh yes,' said she, 'I love him more than all the world--next to
you.'
'Then he is kind to you, Winnie?' 'Ye--yes, as kind as he can
be--considering--'
'Considering what, Winnie?'
'Considering that he's often--unwell, you know.'
'Winnie.' I said, as I gazed in the innocent eyes, 'whom are you
considered to be the most like, your father or your mother?'
'I never knew my mother, but I am said to be partly like her. Why do
you ask?'
'Only an idle question. You love me, Winnie?'
'What a question!'
'And you will do what I ask you to do, if I ask you very earnestly,
Winnie?'
'Certumly,' said Winifred, giving, with a forced laugh, the lisp with
which that word had been given on a now famous occasion.
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