Pin-Pricks.
“The mind has a thousand eyes,
And the heart but one.
But the light of a whole life dies
When love is done.”
The Rectory drawing-room window was open to the sunshine, and Mrs Harcourt was standing by it, waiting for Flossy. But Arthur turned aside from it, and went round to the door in front.
“Who is that, my dear?” said the old lady, as Flossy ran up to her.
“It is Arthur,” she said. “I met him there. He said he ought to come and see you.”
“Ah, poor boy, I’m glad,” said Mrs Harcourt, as she went to let him in, while Flossy exclaimed nervously:
“Oh, Violante, I forgot you. Never mind, it will be just as well.”
“Is it Signor Arthur?” asked Violante, who sometimes accompanied Miss Florence on half-holiday walks, and had needed no teaching to consider Redhurst sacred ground.
“Yes,” said Flossy, as Arthur and Mrs Harcourt came in. He looked very pale, while Mrs Harcourt, half-tearful, half-hospitable, was eagerly welcoming him.
“Ah, my dear Arthur, we have been longing to see you; but I can’t get out much now; and I know—I know you could hardly come. It is very good of you.”