Page:Pierre.djvu/31

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
PIERRE JUST EMERGING FROM HIS TEENS
17

their divine Captain and Lord, ten thousand mailed thoughts of heroicness started up in Pierre's soul, and glared round for some insulted good cause to defend.

So the country was a glorious benediction to young Pierre; we shall see if that blessing pass from him as did the divine blessing from the Hebrews; we shall yet see again, I say, whether Fate hath not just a little bit of a word or two to say in this world; we shall see whether this wee little bit scrap of latinity be very far out of the way—Nemo contra Deum nisi Deus ipse.

V

'Sister Mary,' said Pierre, returned from his sunrise stroll, and tapping at his mother's chamber door:—'do you know, sister Mary, that the trees which have been up all night, are all abroad again this morning before you?—Do you not smell something like coffee, my sister?'

A light step moved from within toward the door; which opened, showing Mrs. Glendinning, in a resplendently cheerful morning robe, and holding a gay wide ribbon in her hand.

'Good morning, madam,' said Pierre, slowly, and with a bow, whose genuine and spontaneous reverence amusingly contrasted with the sportive manner that had preceded it. For thus sweetly and religiously was the familiarity of his affections bottomed on the profoundest filial respect.

'Good afternoon to you, Pierre, for I suppose it is afternoon. But come, you shall finish my toilet;—here, brother'—reaching the ribbon—'now acquit yourself bravely'—and seating herself away from the glass, she awaited the good offices of Pierre.

'First Lady in waiting to the Dowager Duchess Glendinning,' laughed Pierre, as bowing over before his