‘Why did you not tell me they were living here? And you like them?’
‘Like them! No one can tell the comfort Alethea has been. She came to us and nursed us, and has been my great support.’
‘And Phyllis and Ada are with them?’
‘Yes, they have been at Broomhill these six weeks, and more.’
Here Emily came in and told William that his room was ready, and Rachel on the stairs wishing to see the Captain.
‘How well he looks!’ cried Lily, as he closed the door; ‘it is quite refreshing to see any one looking so strong and bright.’
‘And more like Sir Maurice than ever,’ said Emily.
‘Ah! but Claude is more like,’ said Lily, ‘because he is pale.’
‘Well,’ said Jane, ‘do let us in the meantime make the room look more fit to be seen before he comes down.’
The alacrity which had long been wanting to Lilias and Jane had suddenly returned, and they succeeded in making the room look surprisingly comfortable, compared with its former desolate aspect, before William came down, and renewed his inquiries after all the family.