"Oh, Rufford;--oh, my dearest," she said as she woke up, and with
her face close to his, so that he could look into her eyes and see
their brightness even through the gloom. Then she extricated
herself from his embrace with a shudder and a laugh. "You would
hardly believe how tired I am," she said putting out her ungloved
hand. He took it and drew her to him and there she sat in his arms
for the short remainder of the journey.
They were now in the park, and as the lights of the house came in
sight he gave her some counsel. "Go up to your room at once,
dearest, and lay down."
"I will. I don't think I could go in among them. I should fall."
"I will see the Duchess and tell her that you are all right, but
very tired. If she goes up to you had better see her."
"Oh, yes. But I had rather not."
"She'll be sure to come. And, Bella, Jack must be yours now."
"You are joking."
"Never more serious in my life. Of course he must remain with me
just at present, but he is your horse." Then, as the carriage was
stopping, she took his hand and kissed it.
She got to her room as quickly as possible; and then, before she
had even taken off her hat, she sat down to think of it all,--
sending her maid away meanwhile to fetch her a cup of tea. He must
have meant it for an offer. There had at any rate been enough to
justify her in so taking it.
Pages:
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402