"
Mr. Randolph made an uneasy movement; but the lady's white
fingers flew in and out of her tetting-work without regarding
him.
"What do you want to do, that you are asking my permission in
this roundabout way? What do you want to do, that you think
will not please me."
Daisy at first hesitated; then Mr. Randolph was surprised to
hear her say boldly, "I am afraid, a great many things,
mamma."
"Well, you know now what to expect. Mr. Randolph," said the
lady, letting fall her tetting-work, "if you please, I will go
home. The sun will only be getting hotter, if I stay."
Mr. Randolph stood behind Daisy, bending down, and holding her
face in his two hands.
"What would you like me to send you from home, Daisy?"
"Nothing, papa."
"Would you like to have Preston come and see you?"
"If he likes to come, papa."
"He has been only waiting for my permission, and if you say
so, I will give him yours."
"He may come. I should like to see him very much."
"You may have books too, now, Daisy. Do you not want some
books?"
"I should like 'Sandford and Merton,' papa; and when Preston
comes I'll tell him what else I want."
Mr. Randolph stood still, smoothing down the hair on each side
of the little round head, while Mrs.
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