But Eveena kept him awhile, and when he came to me, she had persuaded him that I was only mischievous, not malicious, teasing rather than trespassing.

But his last words showed that he was not so sure of that.

'I have treated you this time as a child whose petulance is half play; but if you would not have your teasing returned with interest, keep it clipped; and--keep it for _me_.' I have often tormented her since then, but I could not for shame help you to spite her." "Crach!" said Enva.

"Eveena might think it wise to make friends with you; but would she bear to be slighted and persecuted a whole summer if she could help herself?
You know that-- "Man's control in woman's hand Sorest tries the household band.
Closer favourite's kisses cling, Favourite's fingers sharper sting.'" "Very likely," replied Eunane.

"I cannot understand any more than you can why Eveena screens instead of punishing us; why she endures what a word to him would put down under her sandal; but she does.