All I do
know is that she has been uneasy ever since she came from France, and
what I believe is that she has been reproaching herself with leaving
her husband without good cause."
"Good cause!" echoed Fanny. "Oh! good gracious! If she only knew,
there's cause enough to leave a hundred husbands."
"Nothing seemed to rouse her," Mrs. Vimpany continued, without
regarding the interruption. "I went with her to the farm to see her
former maid, Rhoda. The girl's health is re-established; she is engaged
to marry the farmer's brother. Lady Harry was kind, and said the most
pleasant things; she even pulled off one of her prettiest rings and
gave it to the girl. But I could see that it was an effort for her to
appear interested--her thoughts were with her husband all the time. I
was sure it would end in this way, and I am not in the least surprised.
But what will Mr. Mountjoy say when he opens the letter?"
"Back to her husband!" Fanny repeated. "Oh! what shall we do?"
"Tell me what you mean. What has happened?"
"I must tell you. I thought I would tell Mr. Mountjoy first: but I must
tell you, although--" She stopped.
"Although it concerns my husband. Never mind that consideration--go
on.
Pages:
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458