Читать «Cup of Gold (Золотая чаша)» онлайн - страница 112

"Yes," he said. "Yes; so it is. "

Again her fingers worked over the strings.

"It is very beautiful, and sad," said Henry, when it was finished. "I liked it wonderfully well, but don't you think, Elizabeth-don't you think that sixth string from the end might be a little-tighter? "

"Oh, I wouldn't have it touched for the world!" she cried. "Before we came out from England, Papa had a man-a harp man-go over the whole thing thoroughly. I wouldn't feel just right with Papa if it were tampered with. He hated people who fiddled with things."

They sat silently after her outburst, but at length she looked pleadingly into his eyes. "You aren't angry with me about the string, are you, Cousin Henry? I just have deep feelings like that. I can't help it."

"No, of course I am not angry." She was so little and so helpless, he thought.

"Where will you be going, now that you are rich and famous and covered with honors?"

"I don't know. I want to live in an atmosphere of sure things."

"Why, that's just the way I think," she exclaimed. "We must be somewhat alike. Things come to you if you do not go looking for them, I say. And nearly always I know what is going to happen to me, because I hope for it and then sit still. "

"Yes," said Henry.

"Papa's death was a great shock," she said, and again the tears were in her eyes. "It's a terrible thing to be left alone and nearly no-no relatives or friends. Of course, the Moddyfords have been lovely to me, but they couldn't be like my own people. Oh, dear! I have been so lonely. I was glad when you came, Cousin Henry, if only because we are of one blood." Her eyes were glistening with tears, and her underlip trembled violently.

"But you must not cry, " Henry said soothingly. "You will not need to worry any more, Elizabeth. I am here to take your trouble from your shoulders. I will help you and care for you, Elizabeth. I wonder how you bore the grief that fell on you. You have been brave to hold your head so high when misery was tugging at your spirit."

"I had my music," she said. "I could retire into my music when the grief was too bitter."

"But now, Elizabeth, you need not even do that. You will come with me to England when I go, and you will be comfortable and safe with me for always."

She had sprung away from him.

"But what are you suggesting? What is this thing you are proposing to me?" she cried. "Isn't it some sin-some crime-for cousins to marry?"

"Marry?"

"Oh!" She blushed, and her eyes glittered again with her quick tears. "Oh! I am ashamed. You did mean marry, didn't you? I am ashamed." Her agitation was pitiful.

"After all, why not?" thought Henry. "She is pretty; I am sure of her family; and besides, she is rather a symbol of this security I have been preaching. I could be sure of never doing anything very radical if she were my wife. I really think I do want security. And besides," his thought finished, "I really cannot let her suffer so."

"Oh, surely I meant marry. What else could you have thought I meant? I am only clumsy and crude about it. I have startled you and hurt you. But, dear Elizabeth, there is no crime or sin about it. Many cousins marry. And we know all about each other, and our family is one. You must marry me, Elizabeth.