Quick as lightning I obeyed him, untying my bonnet and pushing it back from my head.

I could scarcely believe the evidence of my senses.

There reclined the formidable master, like a great, overgrown boy, his attitude alone banishing all restraint and fear, and I, perched on a mossy rock, that looked as if placed there on purpose for me to sit down upon, all my wounded and exasperated feelings completely drowned in a sudden overflow of pleasant emotions.

I had expected scolding, rebuke, denial,--I had armed myself for a struggle of power,--I had resolved to hazard a martyr's doom.
Oh, the magic of kindness on a child's heart!--a lonely, sensitive, proud, yearning heart like mine!--'Tis the witch-hazel wand that shows where the deep fountain is secretly welling.

I was ashamed of the tears that _would_ gather into my eyes.