And she had no intention of the idea getting abroad that her
injured visitor was in a very exhausted condition, because there were
those she knew who would suggest that she had bagged him while he was at
her mercy--when, later on, they heard the news of her engagement, which
she felt was each day growing more certain of becoming a fact. And in
Halcyone's brave heart not a doubt ever entered--she waited and believed
and endured, in silent pain.
After Arabella's unfortunate announcement, for two or three days John
Derringham was too ill to know or care what occurred, and then other and
further tormenting thoughts began to trouble his weary brain.
If Halcyone had a stepmother who had come and taken her away, there were
then more persons than her ancient aunts to reckon with. She could not
now slip off into a secret marriage with himself with small chance of
awkward questionings. That phase of the dream was over, he felt.
No letters of any sort were given him by the doctor's strict orders, and
his private secretary had come down, an amiable and intelligent youth,
and was dealing with the necessary official correspondence--as best he
could--growing each day more infatuated with his fair hostess who felt
that no pawn on the chessboard which contained John Derringham as king
was worth neglecting.
Pages:
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282