II
A noble heart
- Abel Cummings! What are you doing here, my good man? Come here a minute.
As he spoke, an elderly man of good looks and good humour emerged from a large carriage which had served as his bedroom.
- What am I doing, sir? Seeing if Miss Esther appears over there. She went out this morning, a bit recklessly, I thought.
- You can occupy yourself more usefully than in following the capricious walk of a woman. Let her run, and we shall see her come in a full gallop in a little while. Let us think of putting everything in order for the departure.
- But, sir, there are Indian vagabonds all over these woods; who knows what they would do to the girl?
- Perhaps they will eat it!" said the father with a hearty laugh.
Displeased at this reply, the young man turned away sharply,
