No doubt the close attention which the bird paid to everything that
passed, and the presence of the old lady as well, did for a time
interfere with their conversation. But, after awhile, the old lady was
asleep, and the bird, having once or twice attempted to imitate the
somnolent sounds which his mistress was making, seemed also to go to
sleep himself. Then Reginald, beginning with Lady Ushant and the old
Morton family generally, gradually got the conversation round to Bragton
and the little bridge. He had been very stern when he had left her
there, and he knew also that at that subsequent interview, when he had
brought Lady Ushant's note to her at her father's house, he had not been
cordially kind to her. Now they were thrown together for an hour or so
in the closest companionship, and he wished to make her comfortable and
happy. "I suppose you remember Bragton?" he said.
"Every path and almost every tree about the place."
"So do I. I called there the other day. Family quarrels are so
silly, you know."
"Did you see Mr. Morton?"
"No;--and he hasn't returned my visit yet. I don't know whether he
will,--and I don't much mind whether he does or not. That old woman
is there, and she is very bitter against me. I don't care about the
people, but I am sorry that I cannot see the place."
"I ought to have walked with you that day," she said in a very low
tone.
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