"Your sister and I are going out for an early walk," said Nora, when she was greeted by Stanbury. Priscilla said nothing, but thought she understood it all.
"I wish I were going with you," said Hugh. Nora, remembering how very little he had made of his opportunity on the evening before, did not believe him.
The eggs and fried bacon were eaten in a hurry, and very little was said. Then there came the moment for parting. The brother and sister kissed each other, and Hugh took Nora by the hand. "I hope you make yourself happy here," he said.
"Oh, yes;—if it were only for myself I should want nothing."
"I will do the best I can with Trevelyan."
"The best will be to make him, and every one, understand that the fault is altogether his, and not Emily's."
"The best will be to make each think that there has been no real fault," said Hugh.
"There should be no talking of faults," said Priscilla. "Let the husband take his wife back,—as he is bound to do."
These words occupied hardly a minute in the saying, but during that minute Hugh Stanbury held Nora by the hand. He held it fast. She would not attempt to withdraw it, but neither would she return his pressure by the muscle of a single finger. What right had he to press her hand; or to make any sign of love, any pretence of loving, when he had gone out of his way to tell her that she was not good enough for him? Then he started, and Nora and Priscilla put on their hats and left the house.
"Let us go to Niddon Park," said Nora.