Do not try to hide
the thing even from your daughter; she is of an age to share your
suffering, and to alleviate it by her affection. Believe me, silence
is mistaken delicacy. You are innocent; you are horribly wronged;
have the courage of a just cause. See Dr. Derwent at once; I implore
you to do so, for your own sake, and for that of all your true
friends."
At the end, Irene drew a deep breath.
"He, certainly, is one of them," she said.
"Of my true friends? Indeed, he is."
Again they were interrupted. Olga announced the arrival of the nurse
sent by Dr. Derwent to tend the invalid. Thereupon Irene took leave
of her aunt, promising to come again on the morrow, and went
downstairs, where she exchanged a few words with her cousin. They
spoke of Piers Otway's letter.
"Pleasant for us, isn't it?" said Olga, with a dreary smile.
"Picture us entertaining friends who call!"
Irene embraced her gently, bade her be hopeful, and said good-bye.
At home again, she remembered that she had an engagement to dine out
this evening, but the thought was insufferable. Eustace, who was to
have accompanied her, must go alone. Having given the necessary
orders, she went to her room, meaning to sit there until dinner. But
she grew restless and impatient; when the first bell rang, she made
a hurried change of dress, and descended to the drawing-room. An
evening newspaper failed to hold her attention; with nervous
movements, she walked hither and thither.
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