Were it not for that journey, Helen would have been
married by this time. People come ostensibly to express sympathy,
but in reality to ask questions."
"I don't care about people," said Helen, "but the day has been so
different from what we expected that it's hard not to yield to a
presentiment of trouble. It is so dark and gloomy that we almost
need a lamp at midday."
"Well, well," cried hearty Mr. Kemble, "I'm not going to cross any
bridges till I come to them. That telegram from Hobart is all we
need, to date. I look at things as I do at a bank-bill. If its
face is all right, and the bill itself all right, that's enough.
You women-folks have such a lot of moods and tenses! Look at this
matter sensibly. Hobart was right in going. He's doing his duty,
and soon will be back with mind and conscience at rest. It isn't
as if he were ill himself."
"Yes, papa, that's just the difference; we women feel, and you men
reason. What you say, though, is a good wholesome antidote. I fear
I'm a little morbid to-day."
After dinner she and her mother slipped over to the adjoining
cottage, which had been made so pretty for her reception.
Pages:
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203