Chapter Eighteen.
Out of heart.
“Aunt Grena,” said Pandora Roberts, “if it stand with your pleasure, may I have leave to visit little Christabel Hall this fine morrow?”
“Thou shouldst, my dear heart, with my very good will,” was the kindly answer; “but misfortunately, at this time I am not in case to accompany thee.”
Pandora did not reply, but she looked greatly disappointed, when her aunt, Mistress Collenwood, suggested—
“Could not old Osmund go with her, Grena?”
“He might, if it were matter of grave concern,” replied Mistress Grena, in a tone which indicated that the concern would have to be very grave indeed.
“Well, Dorrie, thou mayest clear those troubled eyes,” said Mistress Collenwood with a smile: “for I myself will accompany thee to visit thy friend.”
“You, Aunt Francis? Oh, I thank you!” said Pandora joyfully, passing in a moment from distress to delight.