“It is very kind,” said she slowly, and half to herself.
“It’s a Frenchified sort of phrase, ‘all consideration,’ but I take its meaning to be, with every deference to your wishes—how you would like to travel, and where to stop. Mr. George, however, told me to add, ‘If Miss Luttrell desires to make any purchases, or requires anything in town, she is to have full liberty to obtain it.’ He did not mention to what amount, but of course he intended the exercise of a certain discretion.”
“I want nothing, Sir.”
“That is what Mrs. Coles remarked to me: If the young lady only saw the place she was going to, she’d not think of shopping.”
Kate made no answer.
“Not but, as Mrs. Coles observed, some good substantial winter clothing—that capital stuff they make now for Lower Canada—would be an excellent thing to take. You are aware, Miss, it is a perpetual winter there?”
A short nod, that might mean anything, was all her reply.
“And above all, Miss Luttrell,” continued he, unabashed by her cold manner—“above all, a few books! Mr. L., from what I hear, has none that would suit a young lady’s reading. His studies, it seems, are of an antiquarian order; some say—of course people will say so—he dips a little into magic and the black art.” Perhaps, after all, it was the study most appropriate to the place.
“I suppose it is a lonesome spot?” said she, with a faint sigh, and not well heeding what she said.
“Desolate is the name for it—desolate and deserted! I only know it by the map; but, I declare to you, I’d not pass a week on it to own the fee simple.”