Літо
XV
Royallhadforcedthewordfromhislips;thoughshehadnothadthestrengthtoshakeoffthespellthatboundhertohimshehadlostallspontaneityoffeeling,andseemedtoherselftobepassivelyawaitingafateshecouldnotavert.
ShehadnotseenMr.Royallonherreturntotheredhouse.ThemorningafterherpartingfromHarney,whenshecamedownfromherroom,VerenatoldherthatherguardianhadgoneofftoWorcesterandPortland.Itwasthetimeofyearwhenheusuallyreportedtotheinsuranceagenciesherepresented,andtherewasnothingunusualinhisdepartureexceptitssuddenness.Shethoughtlittleabouthim,excepttobegladhewasnotthere....
Shekepttoherselfforthefirstdays,whileNorthDormerwasrecoveringfromitsbriefplungeintopublicity,andthesubsidingagitationleftherunnoticed.ButthefaithfulAllycouldnotbelongavoided.ForthefirstfewdaysafterthecloseoftheOldHomeWeekfestivitiesCharityescapedherbyroamingthehillsalldaywhenshewasnotatherpostinthelibrary;butafterthataperiodofrainsetin,andonepouringafternoon,Ally,surethatshewouldfindherfriendindoors,camearoundtotheredhousewithhersewing.
ThetwogirlssatupstairsinCharity’sroom.Charity,heridlehandsinherlap,wassunkinakindofleadendream,throughwhichshewasonlyhalf-consciousofAlly,whosatoppositeherinalowrush-bottomedchair,herworkpinnedtoherknee,andherthinlipspursedupasshebentaboveit.
