"
"Paul!" exclaimed the reproachful, but smothered voice of Ellen.
"Never fear, Nelly," whispered the literal bee-hunter, whose straight-
going mind suggested no other motive of uneasiness, on the part of his
mistress, than concern for himself; "I have taken the measure of them
all, and you may trust an eye that has seen to line many a bee into
his hole!"
"I am not about to set myself up as a ruler of inclinations," observed
the squatter. "If the heart of the child is truly in the settlements,
let her declare it; she shall have no let or hinderance from me.
Speak, Nelly, and let what you say come from your wishes, without fear
or favour. Would you leave us to go with this young man into the
settled countries, or will you tarry and share the little we have to
give, but which to you we give so freely?"
Thus called upon to decide, Ellen could no longer hesitate. The glance
of her eye was at first timid and furtive. But as the colour flushed
her features, and her breathing became quick and excited, it was
apparent that the native spirit of the girl was gaining the ascendency
over the bashfulness of sex.
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