"Oh, Robert!"
"He is the most delightful of men. They are as happy as they can be."
Then Isabel began to cry softly. "Oh, Robert, Robert! Such good news! Tell me all about them!" she exclaimed. And Robert told her all that Christina had said, and all that Jamie had said. He described Christina's and Rathey's appearance, he told her about the babies, he even made a few remarks about the floor and the furniture.
"I must go and see her the first thing in the morning, Robert."
"How soon will you start on your travels, Isabel?"
"In ten days, if Lady Mary is better."
"Is she sick?"
"I heard this morning she had an attack of measles—very peculiar in a woman of her age."
"I don't know, I'm sure. What I want is, that Christina should come into my rooms. I am going to give her all the furniture in them—everything-everything except some clothing. While you are away, she will be company for mother, who seems pitifully lonely."
"That is mother's fault, Robert. These empty rooms ought to be——"