This being all that I could think of, I relaxed from
these grave considerations; whereupon my mind bubbled at once into
an effervescency of pleasing spirits, and it was like one treading
on air that I turned homeward. As I thought that name of home, and
recalled the image of that figure awaiting me between four walls,
my heart beat upon my bosom.
My troubles began with my return. She ran to greet me with an
obvious and affecting pleasure. She was clad, besides, entirely in
the new clothes that I had bought for her; looked in them beyond
expression well; and must walk about and drop me curtseys to
display them and to be admired. I am sure I did it with an ill
grace, for I thought to have choked upon the words.
"Well," she said, "if you will not be caring for my pretty clothes,
see what I have done with our two chambers." And she showed me the
place all very finely swept, and the fires glowing in the two
chimneys.
I was glad of a chance to seem a little more severe than I quite
felt. "Catriona," said I, "I am very much displeased with you, and
you must never again lay a hand upon my room.
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