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Chapter 13
”
“Youareshamelesslylazyandimbecileyourself,”saidthedoctor,withthatfacultyforexasperationwhichmadehimsogenerallybeloved.“Don’tputthelightsout.”
Basilioretiredwithdignity.Dr.Monygham,waitinginthebrilliantlylightedsala,heardpresentlyadoorcloseatthefurtherendofthehouse.Ajingleofspursdiedout.TheSenorAdministradorwasofftothemountain.
Withameasuredswishofherlongtrain,flashingwithjewelsandtheshimmerofsilk,herdelicateheadbowedasifundertheweightofamassoffairhair,inwhichthesilverthreadswerelost,the“firstladyofSulaco,”asCaptainMitchellusedtodescribeher,movedalongthelightedcorredor,wealthybeyondgreatdreamsofwealth,considered,loved,respected,honoured,andassolitaryasanyhumanbeinghadeverbeen,perhaps,onthisearth.
Thedoctor’s“Mrs.Gould!Oneminute!”stoppedherwithastartatthedoorofthelightedandemptysala.Fromthesimilarityofmoodandcircumstance,thesightofthedoctor,standingthereallaloneamongstthegroupsoffurniture,recalledtoheremotionalmemoryherunexpectedmeetingwithMartinDecoud;sheseemedtohearinthesilencethevoiceofthatman,deadmiserablysomanyyearsago,pronouncethewords,“Antonialeftherfanhere.”Butitwasthedoctor’svoicethatspoke,alittlealteredbyhisexcitement.Sheremarkedhisshiningeyes.
“Mrs.Gould,youarewanted.
