"Not I, Marian! It is the best thing that could possibly have happened. When I have no longer you to look after I shall go abroad, wherever our father is, and share his lot. Country life is beginning to get wearisome to me. I was meant to be a soldier, I think. Now, Marian, you must really go to bed. I want to be alone."
It was past twelve, and I was beginning to get anxious. But she still lingered for a moment.
"Hugh, I had almost forgotten, I have something for you, and a message."
I bent over my desk, lest she should see the light which sprung into my face. I did not wish even Marian to know my secret.
"What is it?" I asked. "Be quick."
"Why, she came to me like I've never seen her before, as lifeless and sorrowful as anything, and said—'Tell your brother that I think he is behaving nobly, and that I hope we shall always be friends.'"
"She said that!" I exclaimed, starting round, "Maud said that!"
My sister looked at me amazed.
"Maud! I didn't say anything about Maud! She didn't even speak to me. It was Lady Olive, and she sent you this."
I stretched out my hand for the gold-topped cut-glass little smelling-salts, which Marian was holding out for me and laid it down before me. Disappointed though I was, it was a kindly act of Lady Olive's, and I was just in that mood when a man appreciates such a one. For a moment or two I felt very tenderly towards Lady Olive; for, reckless little flirt though she was, she was generous and warm-hearted, or she would never have done this.