"Are you sure you are well wrapped up? Edwin, see that she has my fur cloak in the carriage. What cold fingers! Have some wine before you start, my dear."
Miss Silver altogether melted; sobbing, she murmured something about forgiveness.
"Nay, did I say a word about forgiveness? Then, do not you. Let us be patient—we shall all be happy in time."
"And—Guy?"
"Guy will be himself soon," returned the mother, rather proudly. "We will not mention him, if you please, my dear."
At this moment, Guy must have heard the carriage-wheels and guessed Miss Silver was going, for he appeared at the parlour door. He found his mother toying with Miss Silver's hand; Edwin standing by, proud and glad, with his arm clasped round Louise.
He did not remove it. In his brother's very face—perhaps because of the expression of that face—the lover held fast his own.
Mrs. Halifax rose up, alarmed. "She is just going, Guy. Shake hands, and bid her good-bye."
The girl's hand, which was sorrowfully and kindly extended, Guy snatched and held fast.
"Let her pass," cried Edwin, angrily.