" I
have known the most solid reasons unable to resist it.
However, "mens conscia recti," and, above all, the cowslips, enabled
Compton to resist, and he troubled his head no more about her that day.
But he looked out for her the next day, and she did not come; and that
rather disappointed him.
The next day was wet, and he did not go into the meadow, being on honor
not to do so.
The fourth day was lovely, and he spent a long time in the meadow, in
hopes: he saw her for a moment at the gate; but she speedily retired.
He was disappointed.
However, he collected a good store of cowslips, and then came home.
As he passed the door out popped Ruperta from some secret ambush, and
said, "Well?"
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
"WELL," replied Compton.
"Are you better, dear?"
"I'm very well, thank you," said the boy.
"In your mind, I mean. You were cross last time, you know."
Compton remembered his mother's lessons about manly behavior, and said,
in a jaunty way, "Well, I s'pose I was a little cross."
Now the other cunning little thing had come to apologize, if there was
no other way to recover her admirer. But, on this confession, she said,
"Oh, if you are sorry for it, I forgive you. You may come and talk."
Then Compton came and stood on the gate, and they held a long
conversation; and, having quarreled last time, parted now with rather
violent expressions of attachment.
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