Then the weaker voice died away, and only the clear tones of the lad could be heard finishing the sublime petition.
CHAPTER XXIV
[THE WINDING OF THE SKEIN]
A year after the death of Miss Lorry, two ladies sat in Mrs. Palmer's drawing-room. One was the widow herself, looking as pretty and as common as ever, although she now dressed in more subdued tints, thanks to her companion's frequent admonitions. Eva was near her, with a bright and expectant look on her face, as though she anticipated the arrival of some one. It was many months since Allen had gone out to Bolivia, and this day he was expected back with Mr. Horace Parkins. Before he departed again for South America, a ceremony would take place to convert Eva Strode into Mrs. Hill.
"I'm sure I don't know what I shall do without you, Eva dear," said the widow for the tenth time that day.
"Oh, you'll have Mr. Parkins to console you, Constance."
"Mr. Parkins, indeed?" said Mrs. Palmer tossing her head.--She and Eva were both in evening-dress, and were waiting for the guests. Allen was coming, also his mother and Mr. Parkins.--"I don't know why you should say that, dear."
Eva laughed. "I have seen a number of letters with the Bolivian stamp on them, Constance----"
"Addressed to you. I should think so. But something better than letters is coming this evening, Eva."
"Don't try to get out of the position," said Miss Strode, slipping her arm round the waist of the widow; "you created it yourself. Besides, Allen told me in his letter that Mr. Parkins talked of no one and nothing but you. And think, dear, you won't have to alter your initials, Constance Parkins sounds just as well as Constance Palmer."