It was written by Mrs. Vimpany, and it contained a few
lines added by Hugh Mountjoy. "My strength is slow in returning to me"
(he wrote); "but my kind and devoted nurse says that all danger of
infection is at an end. You may write again to your old friend if Lord
Harry sees no objection, as harmlessly as in the happy past time. My
weak hand begins to tremble already. How glad I shall be to hear from
you, it is, happily for me, quite needless to add."
In her delight at receiving this good news Iris impulsively assumed
that her husband would give it a kindly welcome on his side; she
insisted on reading the letter to him. He said coldly, "I am glad to
hear of Mr. Mountjoy's recovery"--and took up the newspaper. Was this
unworthy jealousy still strong enough to master him, even at that
moment? His wife had forgotten it. Why had he not forgotten it too?
On the same day Iris replied to Hugh, with the confidence and affection
of the bygone time before her marriage. After closing and addressing
the envelope, she found that her small store of postage stamps was
exhausted, and sent for her maid. Mr. Vimpany happened to pass the open
door of her room, while she was asking for a stamp; he heard Fanny say
that she was not able to accommodate her mistress.
Pages:
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382