Page:Bianca, or, The Young Spanish Maiden (Toru Dutt).djvu/14

away in sullen wrath against—his mother? No; against Bianca! Bianca’s allurements, all her loving phrases were lost upon him; "you a’e weak; you cannot carry me; go away." "You are strong Willie, aren’t you?" "Yes." "Wellg ive me a slap on my palm." "It will hu't." "I don't beleve it. Try." The boy gave a slap with all his little might; Bianca winced with well-feigned pain; "Oh you hurt me." And she wrung her hand. "Did not I tell you so!" Said Willie triumphnt1y. "Well, I shall want a strong arm to lean upon, will you lend me your's." Willie very proudly took in his little hand that of Miss Garcia; and thus peace being restored, they all repaired to the garden. They had been walking about for some time; Miss Garcia had been running about in a side alloy with little Willie. Soon Maggie appeared looking for her. "how flushed you are Bianca! Come and sit on the bench with mamma." Bianca went with Willie in her arms. Lady Moore was seated on a rustic bench, with a small table before her, on which was placed a sumptuous little dinner for Master Willie. "Now then come and eat your dinner Willie." Said his mother, "Who'll cut me my meat and my bwead ma?" with a sly 'will-you' glance a Bianca. "I will," said Miss Garcia. Willie was charmed. "Now Will what will you take next?"—as the soup and fish were dispatched with marvellous alacrity. You call me Will; I like that Bianca, Colin calls me Will.” When dinner was finished, Willis nestled in Bianca’s lap, with a sigh. It was getting' dark; Willie was bashful; that sigh meant a desire for a kiss from now that nobody was looking; Bianca kissed the smooth round cheek, that was pressed close against her’s. "I wish Colin was he'e;" said the boy. "Your wish is fulfilled then, Willie, for there is Colin coming; it can’t be but him Said Maggie Lady Moore turned her eagle eye towards the gate. "It is Colin. We did not expect him to-day." A tall form was striding quickly towards the group; Maggie ran forward; “O Colin this is kind! What a good brother you are!" And she hung caressingly on his arm; he kissed her on the forehead with a grave smile; then he went.to his mother who kissed him in her freez-