He did like his cousin Lizzie. He liked to feel that he could
be her friend, with the power of domineering over her. She, also, was fond
of her own way, and loved to domineer herself; but the moment that he
suggested to her that there might be a quarrel, she was reduced to a
prayer that he would not desert her. Such a friendship has charms for a
young man, especially if the lady be pretty. As to Lizzie's prettiness, no
man or woman could entertain a doubt. And she had a way of making the most
of herself which it was very hard to resist. Some young women, when they
clamber over rocks, are awkward, heavy, unattractive, and troublesome. But
Lizzie had at one moment touched him as a fairy might have done; had
sprung at another from stone to stone, requiring no help; and then, on a
sudden, had become so powerless that he had been forced almost to carry
her in his arms. That, probably, must have been the moment which induced
Mr. Gowran to liken her to a quean at a fair.
But, undoubtedly, there might be trouble. Frank was sufficiently
experienced in the ways of the world to know that trouble would sometimes
come from young ladies who treat young men like their brothers, when those
young men are engaged to other young ladies.
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