Літо
XV
Thesethingswerehers;theyhadpassedintoherblood,andbecomeapartofher,theywerebuildingthechildinherwomb;itwasimpossibletotearasunderstrandsoflifesointerwoven.
Theconvictiongraduallystrengthenedher,andshebegantoforminhermindthefirstwordsofthelettershemeanttowritetoHarney.Shewantedtowriteitatonce,andwithfeverishhandsshebegantorummageinherdrawerforasheetofletterpaper.Buttherewasnoneleft;shemustgodownstairstogetit.Shehadasuperstitiousfeelingthatthelettermustbewrittenontheinstant,thatsettingdownhersecretinwordswouldbringherreassuranceandsafety;andtakinguphercandleshewentdowntoMr.Royall’soffice.
Atthathourshewasnotlikelytofindhimthere:hehadprobablyhadhissupperandwalkedovertoCarrickFry’s.Shepushedopenthedooroftheunlitroom,andthelightofherliftedcandlefellonhisfigure,seatedinthedarknessinhishigh-backedchair.Hisarmslayalongthearmsofthechair,andhisheadwasbentalittle;buthelifteditquicklyasCharityentered.Shestartedbackastheireyesmet,rememberingthatherownwereredwithweeping,andthatherfacewaslividwiththefatigueandemotionofherjourney.Butitwastoolatetoescape,andshestoodandlookedathiminsilence.
Hehadrisenfromhischair,andcametowardherwithoutstretchedhands.Thegesturewassounexpectedthatshelethimtakeherhandsinhisandtheystoodthus,withoutspeaking,tillMr.Royallsaidgravely:“Charity—wasyoulookingforme?”
Shefreedherselfabruptlyandfellback.
