Could it
be that her austerity had been softened, and that in kindness they
contrived that Nora should be left some yards behind them with her
brother? Whether it were kindness, or an unkind error, so it was. Nora,
when she perceived what destiny was doing for her, would not interfere
with destiny. If he chose to speak to her she would hear him and would
answer him. She knew very well what answer she would give him. She had
her answer quite ready at her fingers' ends. There was no doubt about
her answer.
They had walked half a mile together and he had spoken of nothing but
the scenery. She had endeavoured to appear to be excited. Oh, yes, the
scenery of Devonshire was delightful. She hardly wanted anything more
to make her happy. If only this misery respecting her sister could
be set right!
'And you, you yourself' said he, 'do you mean that there is nothing you
want in leaving London?'
'Not much, indeed.'
'It sometimes seemed to me that that kind of life was was very pleasant
to you.'
'What kind of life, Mr Stanbury?'
'The life that you were living--going out, being admired, and having the
rich and dainty all around you.
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