That he has never told me. But she has had
the wickedness to say,--oh,--such things of Reginald. I knew all
that before;---but that she should repeat them now, is terrible. I
suppose she wanted it for some of her own people. But it was so
horrible you know,--when he was so ill! Then he said that he should
send for me, so that what is left of the family might be together.
After that she went away in anger. Mrs. Hopkins says that she did
not even see him the morning she left Bragton."
"She was always high-tempered," said Mary.
"And dictatorial beyond measure. She nearly broke my poor dear
father's heart. And then she left the house because he would not
shut his doors against Reginald's mother. And now I hardly know
what I am to do here, or what I must say to this young lady when
she comes to-morrow."
"Is she coming alone?"
"We don't know. She has a mother, Lady Augustus Trefoil, but
whether Lady Augustus will accompany her daughter we have not
heard. Reginald says certainly not, or they would have told us so.
You have seen Reginald?"
"No, Lady Ushant."
"You must see him. He is here now. Think what a difference it will
make to him."
"But Lady Ushant,--is he so bad?"
"Dr. Fanning almost says that there is no hope. This poor young
woman that is coming;--what am I to say to her? He has made his
will.
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