hrinking,
gentle--something which, blending with Octon's strong rough strain,
would issue in this child. She seemed all things in turn--except
self-confident. Evidently she was devoted to Jenny; perpetually she
referred all she did to Jenny's approval--but that "all" included many
varieties. Now she would be demure, now venturesome, now childishly
merry, now assuming a premature sedateness. She played tricks with
Jenny, her brown eyes always asking whether she might play them; she
enjoyed herself immensely--by Jenny's kind permission. This constant
reference and this constant appeal found no warrant in anything in
Jenny's manner; the child was evidently a privileged pet and could do
just as she pleased--Jenny delighted in her. It was then in the girl's
nature itself. She was grace and charm--without strength. It would be
very appealing, if one were the person appealed to; it would be most
attractive, most tempting, when seconded by her frail fairy-like beauty.
For it was a joy to look at her; and if she looked at you, asking leave
to be happy, what could you say but--"By all means--and pray let me do
all I can to help!"

Jenny seemed to watch her gayeties and her demureness, her ventures and
retreats, with delight indeed, but also with a more subtle feeling. She
not only enjoyed; she studied and pondered. She gave the impression of
wanting to know what would be thought by others. This with Jenny was
unusual; but her manner did unmistakably ask me my opinion several
times, and when, after dinner, Margaret had waltzed Chat out of the room
for a stroll in the garden, she asked it plainly.

"Isn't she just as charming as she looks?"

"She worships you," I remarked.

"That's nothing--natural just at first, while she's so young. But don't
you find her charming?" Jenny persisted.

"I don't know about women--but if that form of flattery were brought to
bear on any man, I don't see how he could possibly resist."

"It's quite natural; it's not put on in the least."

"I'm sure of it. That's what would make it so dangerous. To have that
beautiful little creature treating one as a god--who could refuse the
incense, or not become devoted to the worshiper?"

Jenny nodded. "You understand it, I see. Men would feel that way, would
they?"

"Rather!" I answered, with a laugh. Jenny was leaning her head on her
elbow, and looked across the table at me with a satisfied mocking smile.
I could see that I had given an answer that ple