Sympathy was a matter of necessity to Mrs. Edmonstone; and as her husband was out, she went at once to Charles, with a countenance so disturbed, that he feared some worse tidings had come from Italy.
‘No, no, nothing of that sort; it is poor Laura.’
‘Eh?’ said Charles, with a significant though anxious look, that caused her to exclaim,—
‘Surely you had no suspicion!’
Charlotte, who was reading in the window, trembled lest she should be seen, and sent away.
‘I suspected poor Laura had parted with her heart. But what do you mean? What has happened?’
‘Could you have guessed? but first remember how ill he is; don’t be violent, Charlie. Could you have guessed that they have been engaged, ever since the summer we first remarked them?’
She had expected a great storm; but Charles only observed, very coolly, ‘Oh! it is come out at last!’
‘You don’t mean that you knew it?’
‘No, indeed, you don’t think they would choose me for their confidant!’