"I can't tell you how I feel," said Reine, holding her off and looking
at her. "I feel as if you belonged to me someway."
"Don't turn my head," pleaded Hetty wistfully. "Please remember I have
no relations and must not expect to be loved. I have had great trouble
about that; and it has been very hard for them to manage me."
"Has it?" said Reine doubtfully.
"As I'm now nearly grown up," said Hetty, "of course I have had to learn
to behave myself; so don't spoil me."
"I wish I could," said Reine. "I mean I wish I could get the chance. Oh,
don't look at me like that. But yes, do. Oh, Hetty, my mother, my
mother!"
And Reine leaned her arms on the table, and laid her head on them, and
wept.
Hetty stood by wondering, and stroked her head timidly for sympathy.
"Don't think me a great goose," said Reine, looking up. And then
suddenly silent again she sat staring at Hetty. After a few moments she
sprang up and folded her arms round her and held her close.
"You strange darling, where have you come from; and how am I ever to let
you go again?"
A step was heard at the door, and Reine and Hetty instinctively withdrew
from each other's embrace.
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