'
'Then you think it funny?'
'To be sure I do.'
'Do you remember the three duels all at once, and the three valets?
Oh! what fun it is. But do let me see if d'Artagnan got the
diamonds.'
'Yes, he did. But will this satisfy you, Gilbert? You know there
are some exciting pleasures that we must turn our backs on
resolutely. I think this book is one of them. Now you will let me
take it? I will tell your father about it in private, and he cannot
blame you. Then, if he will give his consent, whenever you can come
home early, come to my dressing-room, out of your sisters' way, and I
will read to you the innocent part, so as to get the story out of
your brain.'
'Very well,' said Gilbert, slowly. 'Yes, if you will not let papa be
angry with me. And, oh dear! must you go?'
'I think you had better dress yourself and come down to tea. There
is nothing the matter with you now, is there?'
He was delighted with the suggestion, and promised to come directly;
and Albinia carried off her prize, exceedingly hopeful and puzzled,
and wondering whether her compromise had been a right one, or a mere
tampering with temptation--delighted with the confidence and
affection bestowed on her so freely, but awe-struck by the impression
which the boy had avowed, and marvelling how it should be treated, so
as to render it a blessed and salutary restraint, rather than the dim
superstitious terror that it was at present.
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