“Yes, of course. I forgot. I spoke as if we were almost old acquaintances.”
CHAPTER XXVI
CONVERSATION AND A LITTLE PIG-STUFF
After that a short time passed away, during which Rosalie saw much of Mr. Barringcourt and the Golden Priest, though not intimately.
During this time Lady Flamington, young, beautiful, much courted and admired, died. It caused a great sensation at the time, because she had only been ill a week, and the doctor had great hopes of recovery because she was strong. But it was double pneumonia, and whereas many a poor person less well attended to gets well and strong again, she, with all attention, passed away.
Rosalie, though knowing comparatively little of her, was somehow much affected by her death. Sir John went to the funeral, and she was put away in a manner that would have done many a poor person’s heart good.
The next morning was bright and frosty, and Rosalie took an early walk in the Park. Walking there, she met Mr. Barringcourt, and as it was daylight, and the frog was with her, she did not beat a retreat. She expected to find him doleful, searched his face for the usual signs, but found nothing. She remembered Mariana’s words, and thought there must be truth in them.
“You are out early,” he said.
“Yes. I left Miss Crokerly feeding the birds and cleaning the cages. She prefers to do it alone, so I don’t offer to help her.”
“You are happier with her than you were with me.”
“Of course. I was not at all happy with you, Mr. Barringcourt. You knew it.”