When Annie first recognized Colonel Richardson as he crossed the road toward her, her impulse was to walk on; but anxiety to hear something about the family at the Elms changed her intention, and she stopped, shook hands with him, and allowed him to walk down the street with her.
“I knew you the moment you came on,” said he. “It was a happy thought to go on the stage; I admire your courage.”
“I don’t think it was courage that sent me on; and at present I have had no reason to congratulate myself on my attempt, I assure you. Did Mrs. Falconer know me?”
“No. She did not care for the piece, and was not paying much attention to it. She does not know you are on the stage, for she told me she thought you had become a governess somewhere. You have done better than that.”
“Yes. And the rest of the Braithwaites? Have you seen any of them since your return?”
“No; but Mrs. Falconer gives a very bad account of some of them.”
“What does she say? Tell me quickly, please.”
“It seems there have been quarrels among the brothers lately, about money matters, I believe. Sir George and Harry are the chief disputants, and Mrs. Falconer never knows what the next news about them may be. But I am paining you——”
“No, no; I want to hear everything. Will you tell me all you know about my husband? Is he well? Is he no steadier?”
“I believe he is well now; but he was ill some months ago.”