I remember that when I was down here about a month ago Mrs. Barrett told me she expected a niece of hers to live with her -- for a time at least . Her parents were both dead , the father having died recently . Mrs. Barrett seemed troubled about her . She said that the girl had been well brought up and used to better things than the Cove could give her , and she feared that she would be very discontented and unhappy . I had forgotten all about it until I saw the girl today . She certainly seems to be a very superior person ; she will find the Cove very lonely , I am sure . It is not probable she will stay there long . I must see what I can do for her , but her manner seemed rather repellent , do n't you think ? '' `` Hardly , '' responded Esterbrook curtly . `` She seemed surprisingly dignified and self-possessed , I fancied , for a girl in her position . A princess could not have looked and bowed more royally . There was not a shadow of embarrassment in her manner , in spite of the incongruity of her surroundings . You had much better leave her alone , Marian . In all probability she would resent any condescension on your part . What wonderful , deep , lovely eyes she has . '' Again the sensitive colour flushed Marian 's cheek as his voice lapsed unconsciously into a dreamy , retrospective tone , and a slight restraint came over her manner , which did not depart . Esterbrook went away at sunset . Marian asked him to remain for the evening , but he pleaded some excuse . `` I shall come tomorrow afternoon , '' he said , as he stooped to drop a careless good-bye kiss on her face . Marian watched him wistfully as he rode away , with an unaccountable pain in her heart .
She felt more acutely XXXXX ever that there were depths in her lover 's nature that she was powerless to stir into responsive life .
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