"I am easy now," she said. "I will not move again." He looked anxiously at her, and thought there was something strange in the expression of her features. It seemed as if she had lost her control over them, and that her smile was involuntary.
"Mamma!" said she suddenly, in a quick, sharp tone.
Her mother hastened to her side.
"Keep close to me, mamma," she said.
Mrs. Fitzpatrick, seated on the side of the sofa, held her daughter's hand.
"Do you feel worse, my love?" she whispered.
"No; better," returned Aveline, in a clear voice.
Mrs. Fitzpatrick trembled excessively, but controlled all other sign of emotion. She looked anxiously at Mr. Haveloc, as she often did, to read his opinion. His eyes were fixed on the ground.
"Mr. Haveloc," said Aveline, in a voice perfectly free from emotion, "you will recollect to tell Mr. Fletcher that Mr. Lucas was very kind, and gave me much comfort."
"He returns to-morrow. I hope you will be well enough to see him yourself," said Mr. Haveloc.