"Well, teacher," he said; "I should like to kiss you just once to-night,
and mean it."
"That's a remarkable request," I said; "to come from my oldest pupil; but
it is my privilege to bestow, just once. If you will bend down from your
commanding height, and put yourself in an humble and submissive attitude
before me."
The Cradlebow knelt on the doorstep. I would have stooped to his
forehead, but he put up his arm with an extremely boyish, inoffensive
gesture, almost with a sob, I thought, to draw me closer.
I would have had that kiss as passionless as though it had been given to
a child. The Cradlebow's breath was pure upon my cheek--but I was
compelled to feel the answering flame creep slowly in my own blood.
"Never ask me to do that again!" I exclaimed, in righteous exculpation of
the act. "Never!"
CHAPTER VIII.
FESTIVITIES AT THE ARK.
Up from the beach, lightly tripping, capacious reticule in hand, came
Mrs. Barlow to spend the day at the Ark, unexpectedly! The inspired and
felicitous customs of the Wallencampers admitted of no rude surprises;
rational joy, alone, pervaded the Ark at this matutinal advent.
Mrs.
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