People didnt tell each other things much in those
days, did they? Only Ive made mistakes: mistakes that I understand now,and must
remedy. Ah, what a different image thepier-glass would reflect tomorrow! Delia
pressed her forehead against the pane.
Then the twocousins lit their bedroom candles and
walked upstairs through thedarkened house. For a few moments she stood in the middle
of the floor, looking slowlyabout her.
Delia felt her blush deepening through the dusk.
Inwardly she thought: Charlottesmind is made up; I shant be able to move her. Youre
going to prove the contrary this afternoon. Delias bedroom was at the front of the
house.
And never had she kept amoonlight watch with a
lovers arms to warm her. Well, that was not matter forconjecture either. Delia
seemed to hear the old cry: But how can I give up my baby? But Delias chief support
was the sight of Tina. Delia looked at her cousin with a vague sense of
apprehension.
Charlotte Lovells brisk step sounded indoors, and
she came out andjoined Mrs. Thats where the truth of the third-and-fourth
generationbusiness comes in, after all. The girl hadnearly been lost to them both:
at all costs such a risk must not berenewed. But there the matter dropped, swept
away on thecurrent of Tinas bliss.
Miss Lovell made a visible effort at self-control.