"What makes you think that?" she asked.
"I have once or twice caught her in tears. Every now and
then--sometimes when she is talking quite gayly--she suddenly
changes color and becomes silent and depressed. Just now, when
she left the table (didn't you notice it?), she looked at me in
the strangest way--almost as if she was sorry for me. What do
these things mean?"
Horace's reply, instead of increasing Lady Janet's anxiety,
seemed to relieve it. He had observed nothing which she had not
noticed herself. "You foolish boy!" she said, "the meaning is
plain enough. Grace has been out of health for some time past.
The doctor recommends change of air. I shall take her away with
me."
"It would be more to the purpose," Horace rejoined, "if I took
her away with me. She might consent, if you would only use your
influence. Is it asking too much to ask you to persuade her? My
mother and my sisters have written to her, and have produced no
effect. Do me the greatest of all kindnesses--speak to her
to-day!" He paused, and possessing himself of Lady Janet's hand,
pressed it entreatingly. "You have always been so good to me," he
said, softly, and pressed it again.
Pages:
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93