Wade. "Shall I ask her myself?"
"You are a good friend. Your conversation will have a soothing
effect. She likes you so much, and gives such weight to everything
you say. Try to set her mind at ease, Mrs. Wade; you can do it if
any one can."
"I will write to her, and then call to-morrow."
Again Lilian had a night without thorough rest, and for the greater
part of the next day she was obliged to keep her room. There Mrs.
Wade visited her, and they talked for a long time; it was decided
that Lilian should go to Pear-tree Cottage on the following
afternoon, and remain in seclusion until the contest was over.
She came down at five o'clock. Denzil, who had instructed the
servants that she was at home to no one, sat with her in the
library, holding her hand.
"I am quite well," Lilian declared again and again. "I feel quite
easy in mind--indeed I do. As you wish it, I will go to Mrs.
Wade's, but"----
"It will be very much better. To tell you the truth, girlie, I shall
feel so much freer--knowing you are out of the row, and in such
good care."
She looked at him.
"How wretched to be so weak, Denzil! I might have spared you more
than half what you have suffered, if I hadn't given way so."
"Nonsense! Most women would have played the coward--and _that_ you
never could! You have stood it bravely, dear. But it's your health I
fear for.
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