? ? ? ? I made up my mind to speak to Dora about this; and one day when we were out walking (for we were licensed by Miss Lavinia, after a while, to go out walking by ourselves), I said to her that I wished she could get them to behave towards her differently.
? ? ? ? 'Because you know, my darling,' I remonstrated, 'you are not a child.'
? ? ? ? 'There!' said Dora. 'Now you're going to be cross!'
? ? ? ? 'Cross, my love?'
? ? ? ? 'I am sure they're very kind to me,' said Dora, 'and I am very happy -'
? ? ? ? 'Well! But my dearest life!' said I, 'you might be very happy, and yet be treated rationally.'
? ? ? ? Dora gave me a reproachful look - the prettiest look! - and then began to sob, saying, if I didn't like her, why had I ever wanted so much to be engaged to her? And why didn't I go away, now, if I couldn't bear her?
? ? ? ? What could I do, but kiss away her tears, and tell her how I doted on her, after that!
? ? ? ? 'I am sure I am very affectionate,' said Dora; 'you oughtn't to be cruel to me, Doady!'
? ? ? ? 'Cruel, my precious love! As if I would - or could - be cruel to you, for the world!'
? ? ? ? 'Then don't find fault with me,' said Dora, making a rosebud of her mouth; 'and I'll be good.
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