"It strikes cold to you Londoners," said Annette, laughing; and as she laughed, her eyes sparkled and her colour came, and George could not help thinking how remarkably pretty she looked; "but I do not feel it one bit too fresh; I hate having anything on my head."
"Do you never wear a hat?"
"Only when I go into the village with Mrs. Derinzy, never here in the grounds. I hate anything that weighs on my head or gives me any sense of oppression there; always when I feel my head hot I think I am going to be ill."
"Ay, I was sorry to hear that you were so frequently an invalid," said George.
"Yes," said the girl, "I often think the house, instead of the Tower, should be called the Hospital. Mrs. Derinzy, you know, is very often ill; so ill sometimes, that Dr. Wainwright has to come from London to see her."
"So I have heard," said George. "Do you know my father?"
"I have seen him very often when he has been down here to visit my aunt."
"He has never attended you, I suppose, Miss Derinzy?" asked George, looking at her closely.
"Dr. Wainwright attend me! Oh dear, no," said Annette; "there was never any occasion for his doing so."
"Like most unselfish people, you make light of your own troubles," said George, "and exaggerate those of other people."