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from the present scene, or the present hour. --

Rosa running in, let the door slip from her hand, & it shut
with such violence, as completely to rouse d'Aubigne from his reverys,
he started, & gently reproved her, bidding her remember her
mama had a head-ache & if she had fallen asleep would be
awakened by any noise.

"Why Mama is not asleep", said the little girl, "she has gone to
take a walk."

"You must be mistaken."

"No indeed I am not," she replied, "I sleep in her room & I saw her get
up & put on her hat & shawl & go out to walk before breakfast."

d'Aubigne sighed.-
"Why what makes you look so sorry uncle? come", and she clambering
up on his knee, I will read you a pretty, very pretty story & that will
make you merry."

D'Aubigne without attending to what the child said - suddenly enquired,
"Where is your Papa, Rosa?
"I don't know," said she slowly [waging?] her head, this motion
& the peculiar tone of her voice, seemed to imply more than met the ear.

"And when will he come home?" "I don't know," said Rosa, with the
same tone.

"And will you not be glad when he returns?"-

Rosa shook her head in the negative.

"Will you be sorry then?"

Rosa nodded in the affirmative.

"You do not love your papa then", continued d'Aubigne-

The child who had by this time thrown aside her book, &
was kneeling on d'Aubrignes lap, had one arm round his neck, while
with the other hand, she was patting his face, parting his hair,
& stoking his eyebrows, with many other infantine & endearing
little tricks. "You cannot love your papa then"?- repeated he-
"She hid her little face on his shoulder, saying, "I can't help it, but indeed
uncle, I cannot."

"But that is very naughty - is it not?"

"Oh yes," said the little creature crying