Even the austere and exacting are usually appeased by the signs of
contrition, but the nature of Deerslayer did not require proofs of
intense feelings so strong in order to bring him down to a level
with the regrets felt by the girl herself. He arose, as if an
adder had stung him, and the accents of the mother that soothes
her child were scarcely more gentle and winning than the tones of
his voice, as he now expressed his contrition at having gone so
far.
"It was well meant, Judith," he said, "but it was not intended
to hurt your feelin's so much. I have overdone the advice, I
see; yes, I've overdone it, and I crave your pardon for the same.
Fri'ndship's an awful thing! Sometimes it chides us for not having
done enough; and then, ag'in it speaks in strong words for havin'
done too much. Howsever, I acknowledge I've overdone the matter,
and as I've a ra'al and strong regard for you, I rej'ice to say it,
inasmuch as it proves how much better you are, than my own vanity
and consaits had made you out to be."
Judith now removed her hands from her face, her tears had ceased,
and she unveiled a countenance so winning with the smile which
rendered it even radiant, that the young man gazed at her, for a
moment, with speechless delight.
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