Літо
VII
”
CharitydroppedherpencilandforgottolistentotheTargattgirl’ssing-song.WhyhadMr.MilessuddenlybroughtupAnnabelBalch’sname?
“Oh,really?”sheheardHarneyrejoin;and,raisinghisstick,hepursued:“Yousee,myplanistomovetheseshelvesaway,andopenaroundwindowinthiswall,ontheaxisoftheoneunderthepediment.”
“Isupposeshe’llbecomingupherelatertostaywithMissHatchard?”Mr.Mileswenton,followingonhistrainofthought;then,spinningaboutandtiltinghisheadback:“Yes,yes,Isee—Iunderstand:thatwillgiveadraughtwithoutmateriallyalteringthelookofthings.Icanseenoobjection.”
Thediscussionwentonforsomeminutes,andgraduallythetwomenmovedbacktowardthedesk.Mr.MilesstoppedagainandlookedthoughtfullyatCharity.“Aren’tyoualittlepale,mydear?Notoverworking?Mr.HarneytellsmeyouandMamiearegivingthelibraryathoroughoverhauling.”Hewasalwayscarefultorememberhisparishioners’Christiannames,andattherightmomenthebenthisbenignantspectaclesontheTargattgirl.
ThenheturnedtoCharity.“Don’ttakethingshard,mydear;don’ttakethingshard.ComedownandseeMrs.MilesandmesomedayatHepburn,”hesaid,pressingherhandandwavingafarewelltoMamieTargatt.Hewentoutofthelibrary,andHarneyfollowedhim.
CharitythoughtshedetectedalookofconstraintinHarney’seyes.Shefanciedhedidnotwanttobealonewithher;andwithasuddenpangshewonderedifherepentedthetenderthingshehadsaidtoherthenightbefore.
