"
"Very well! By all means!"
"I ask you again for her address, my lord."
"Find it for yourself. You will not obey my orders: am I to obey
yours?"
He turned on his heel, and flung to his door.
Donal went to lady Arctura. She was in the sitting-room, anxiously
waiting his return. She had heard their voices, but nothing that
passed. He told her what he had done; then produced his provisions,
and together they prepared their breakfast. By and by they heard the
earl come from his room, go here and there through the still house,
and return to his apartment.
In the afternoon he left the house. They watched him away--ill able,
apparently, even to crawl along. He went down the hill, nor once
lifted his head. They turned and looked at each other. Profound pity
for the wretched old man was the feeling of both. It was followed by
one of intense relief and liberty.
"You would like to be rid of me now, my lady," said Donal; "but I
don't see how I can leave you. Shall I go and fetch Miss
Carmichael?"
"No, certainly," answered Arctura. "I cannot apply to her."
"It would be a pity to lose the advantage of your uncle's not
knowing what has become of you."
"I wonder what he will do next! If I were to die now, the property
would be his, and then Forgue's!"
"You can will it away, I suppose, my lady!" answered Donal.
Arctura stood thoughtful.
Pages:
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597