But young Delias mother was speedily reassured.
Delia sat by the bed motionless, her eyes on her cousins closed face.
Manlytears were in his eyes; ah, how he triumphed
in her health, her wisdom,her generosity! Charlotte seemed to have divined her
thought. Life had passed herby, and left her with the Ralstons.
Charlottes gaunt figurehung over her, relentless as
doom. But her ownlife was over: she felt as detached as a cloistered
nun.
Was it not rather to herself that she should
haveascribed them? Delia, without moving, sent her a glance of welcome over
Tinasshoulder. Let us say then that she must pay for my imperfections. A pair of new
slippers of bronze kidpeeped from beneath it. At such moments he wasstill the
sentimental boy whom she could manage. Since Lanning Halsey has been cominghere so
much.
Im willing to draw up a deed, asettlement, before a
lawyer, if she says so. Lucky enough for her, poor girl, considering her wretched
health in heryouth: Mrs. Only Ive made mistakes: mistakes that I understand now,and
must remedy.
Ralston pushed aside her work and thoughtfully
considered hercousins sharply-lined face. Dont think that, dear: think only of what
youd like best. Delias needle gave the canvas a sharp prick, and she pushed her
workaside. Charlotte Lovell held her eyesinexorably.
Even the vocabulary of renunciation, and its
conventional gestures, wereunfamiliar to him. Delia paused, not knowingwhat they
must hope. Let us call things by their names, the other evenly pursued.
Even the vocabulary of renunciation, and its
conventional gestures, wereunfamiliar to him.
You ought not to speak to your Aunt Charlotte as
you did this evening,dear.
Runoff now, or you might disturb your
aunt.
Miss Lovell folded the evening paper, and stretched
out a thin hand forher knitting.
But you know youve got to buck up, old
boy.
With one of her lightmovements, Tina was in the
widows arms. Nothing had ever been changed in the room which, even as abride, she
had planned to modernize. Lucky,now, after all, that she has those paupers, isnt it?