'
As he spoke, Mr. Kendal pushed open the half-closed door, and
Albinia, looking up, said, 'Here's a boy who knows he has done wrong,
papa.'
Never was more welcome excuse for lifting the gallant child to his
breast, and lavishing caresses that would have been tender but for
the strong spirit of riot which turned them into a game at romps, cut
short by Mr. Kendal, as soon as the noise grew very outrageous.
'That's enough to-night; good night.' And when they each had kissed
the monkey face tossing about among the clothes, Maurice might have
heard more pride than pain in the 'I never saw such a boy!' with
which they shut the door.
'This is not prudent!' said Mr. Kendal.
'Do you think I could have rested till I had seen him? and he said
you had told him not to come down.'
'I would have brought him to you. You are looking very ill; you had
better go to bed at once.'
'No, I should not sleep. Pray let me grow quiet first. Now you know
you trust Maurice,--old Maurice, and I'll lie on the sofa like any
mouse, if you'll bring him up and let him talk. You know it will be
an interesting novelty for you to talk, and me to listen! and he has
not seen the baby.'
Albinia gained her point, but Mr. Kendal and Lucy first tucked her up
upon the sofa, till she cried out, 'You have swathed me hand and
foot. How am I to show off that little Awk?'
'I'll take care of that,' said Mr. Kendal; and so he did, fully doing
the honours of the little daughter, who had already fastened on his
heart.
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