Незнакомка из Уайлдфелл-Холла. Уровень 2 / The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

I was so fortunate as to catch him, while he hung from that tree.”

“I beg your pardon, sir,” stammered she; “I did not know you; and I thought – ”

She stooped to kiss the child, and fondly clasped her arm round his neck.

“You thought I was going to kidnap your son, I suppose?”

She laughed and replied, -

“I did not know he was climbing the wall. You are Mr. Markham, I believe?” she added abruptly.

I bowed.

“Your sister called here, a few days ago, with Mrs.

“Is the resemblance so strong then?” I asked, in some surprise.

“There is a likeness about the eyes and complexion I think,” replied she; “and I think I saw you at church on Sunday.”

I smiled.

“Good-morning, Mr. Markham,” said she; and without another word or glance, she withdrew, with her child, into the garden.

I returned home, angry and dissatisfied. Then I to the vicarage, to solace my spirit and soothe my temper with the company and conversation of Eliza Millward.

I found her, as usual, busy with embroidery.

“You're so unfortunate, Mr. Markham!” observed the younger sister. “Papa's just gone out into the parish!”

“Never mind[6 - Never mind. – Ничего.]; I am going to a few minutes with his daughters,” said I.

We were mutually pleased with each other, maintained between us a cheerful and animated conversation. I tenderly squeezed Eliza's little hand at parting; and she repaid me with one of her softest smiles.

Chapter III

Two days after, Mrs. Graham called at Linden-Car. Mrs. Graham brought her child with her and said,

“It is a long walk for him; but I must take him with me; for I never leave him alone.”

“But you have a servant,” said Rose; “can you leave him with her?”

“She has her own occupations; and besides, she is very old, and he is very mercurial.

“But you left him to come to church.”

“Yes, once; but I won't leave him for any other purpose. I think, in future, I must bring him with me, or stay at home.”

“Is he so mischievous?” asked my mother.

“No,” replied the lady, as she stroked the wavy locks of her son; “but he is my only treasure, and I am his only friend: so we don't like to be separated.