‘Yes, he came while I was in John’s room. He is not at all like what I expected.’
‘No, ladies always expect a man to look like a hero or a brigand. She had just that round face, till the last when I saw her in London, and then she looked a dozen years older than John—enough to scare one.’
‘See what he gave me.’
‘Ha! was that hers? I remember, it was that my aunt kicked up such a dust about. So he has given you that.’
‘Helen said she should like some one to have it who would find as much comfort in it as she did.’
‘Comfort! What comfort do you want?’
‘Only when I am foolish.’
‘I should think so; and pray what is to be the comfort of a bit of coral like that?’
‘Not the coral, but the thoughts, dear Arthur,’ said Violet, colouring, and restoring the cross to its place within her dress.
‘Well! you and John understand your own fancies, but I am glad you can enter into them with him, poor fellow! It cheers him up to have some one to mope with.’