‘Oh! no, no!’
‘My aunt, of course! How could I forget! Mrs. Armstrong spoke of her being ill. Was it another stroke!’ said Theodora, alarmed as her recollection returned, and Violet was obliged to tell the whole.
‘My poor mother!’ said Theodora, gravely, ‘I wish I could help—’
There was a knock at the door. Miss Standaloft stood hesitating and making signs to Violet.
‘Is there any news of Mrs. Nesbit?’ asked Theodora. ‘There can be only one thing to hear. Is it over?’
It was, and the end had been quiet. Theodora drew a long breath, and repeated, ‘Poor mamma!’
‘Do you want me? Do you think I might go to her!’ said Violet. ‘She has no one with her but the gentlemen.’
‘I should be very glad if you were there. Only don’t hurt yourself, or Arthur will be angry; and to have you to nurse would be more than could be borne. My poor aunt! I think she softened at the last, and she loved us all very much at one time.’
‘I am glad she was kind to Johnnie,’ said Violet.
Miss Altisidora was induced to sit on the other side the curtain, intending to call Sarah if anything was wanted, and Violet walked across the park, dreading to enter for the first time the presence of the shadow of death, fearing in her lowliness to intrude or presume, but drawn onwards by the warmhearted yearning to perform a daughter’s part, if perchance her husband’s mother could derive the least solace from her attentions.