All her dreams of renovation hadfaded long
ago.
Delia, without moving, sent her a glance of welcome
over Tinasshoulder. Dont think that, dear: think only of what youd like
best.
So the James Ralstons had lent her theirlittle
farm-house, and Mrs. Delia drew near the bed, and stood looking down at her cousin
with neweyes.
Yes, I did, Mamma: he says I do my hairstylishly.
Delias fire had been kept up, and her dressing-gown was warming on anarm-chair near
the hearth. I cantthink him capable of such an insult to Tina.
Charlotte seemed determined to make no further
allusionto the subject of their talk. But Ive always known a time would come when we
should have to talk thisthing out. The past was too overwhelminglyresuscitated in
Charlottes words.
Ralstons eye had been fixed, with a certain
apprehension, on thehandsome Lanning.
Personally, I find him very agreeable; I understand
hisattraction for Tina. Nor do I disapprove of Lanning Halsey as ahusband. You dont
mean that he has offered himself and then drawn back?
Ralston pushed aside her work and thoughtfully
considered hercousins sharply-lined face. You were scolding herbecause she called me
an old maid. Certainly, in Charlottes place, Icould never give up those children.
How could weever have imagined, either of us, that the child could escape disaster?
All her dreams of renovation hadfaded long ago.
Certainly, in Charlottes place, Icould never give
up those children. Delias needle gave the canvas a sharp prick, and she pushed her
workaside. I had to say goodnight, Mamma, the girl whispered. Icouldnt bear to hurt
him as much as that. The young woman, bent above her wool-work, listened with
lowered lids andflushed cheeks.
But he has also decided not to give up seeing her.
She glanced across the citron-wood work-table at hercousin. The talk once over,
Delia was annoyed with herself for having yielded toCharlottes wish. Charlotte stood
before her, motionless, perpendicular. Clement Spender stood before her,irresolute,
impecunious, persuasive. But youll be so much less comfortable there,
Chatty.
But he has also decided not to give up seeing her.
Delia paused, not knowingwhat they must hope.
Ralstons eye had been fixed, with a certain
apprehension, on thehandsome Lanning.
I had taken it off already, she said simply, and
handed it to Delia.