So grief breaks the monotony of joy, just as a rock gives repose to level plain.
Whilst the pinnace was gradually leaving the shore, loaded with mattresses and other movables adapted for a temporary encampment, Jack signalled a parting adieu to Sophia, and, putting his fingers to his lips, seemed to enjoin silence.
"All right, Master Jack," cried she.
"What is all this signalling about ?" inquired Mrs.Wolston.
"A secret," said the young girl, leaping with joy; "I have a secret!" "And with a young man?
that is very naughty, miss." "Oh, mamma, you will know it to-morrow." "What if I wanted to know it to-night ?" "Then, mamma, if you insisted--that is--absolutely--" "No, no, child, I shall wait till to-morrow; keep it till then--if you can." "Sophia dear," said Mary to her sister, when their two heads, enveloped in snowy caps with an embroidered fringe, were reclining together on the same pillow, "you know I have always shared my _bon-bons_ with you." "Yes, sister." "In that case, make me a partner in your secret." "Will you promise not to speak of it ?" "Yes, I promise." "To no one ?" "To no one." "Not even to the paroquette Fritz gave you ?" "No, not even to my paroquette." "Well, it is very likely I shall speak about it in my dreams--you listen and find it out." "Slyboots!" "Curiosity!" Like those delicate flowers that shrink when they are touched, each then turned to her own side; but it would have cost both too much not to have fallen asleep as usual, with their arms round each other's necks;--consequently this tiff soon blew over, and, after a prolonged chat, their lips finally joined in the concluding "Good-night.".